More Than My Instagram Feed

Social media can be such a sweet space—full of baby announcements, ministry highlights, family reunions, and just plain fun. But it can also be a deeply toxic one. A space that invites comparison, fosters insecurity, and slowly pulls our gaze away from what matters most.

I remember my first real introduction to social media. It was the summer before 9th grade, and I had just returned from a life-changing missions trip to Romania. I signed up for Facebook so I could stay connected with the new friends I had made across the world. Being able to see their life updates, watch their families grow, and stay in touch meant more to me than I can express. That part of social media felt beautiful—like it was doing what it was made to do: create connection.

But as time went on, I began to see the other side. The darker, more dangerous one.

The more involved in social media i became the more I realized what a tricky space it can be. I had to create a boundary for myself: I would no longer follow people I didn’t personally know. Why? Because I found it became far too easy to romanticize someone else’s life—to turn them into the version I wanted to see, rather than who they truly were. I’d begin to idolize their marriage, their home, their success, their style, their faith—even though I knew almost nothing about their real life.

There was one Christian influencer in particular I followed. I had built her up in my mind to be the ultimate example of godliness, beauty, and purpose. But then, I actually met her—in a real, intimate setting. And she was nothing like how I thought she would be based off of the things she posted. She was not kind or engaging the way she appeared to be. It reminded me how human and flawed we all are. Just like me. And in that moment, I was reminded of a profound truth: no matter how perfect someone’s life looks online, we are all made of flesh, and we are all in desperate need of grace.

Scripture reminds us in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No influencer, no friend, no celebrity or stranger is exempt from this. And in 1 Samuel 16:7, we’re told, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Social media tends to magnify the outside, but God calls us to go deeper.

I’m learning that true intimacy—real connection—isn’t built through curated content or filtered posts. It’s found in authentic relationship. With others. With ourselves. And most importantly, with Jesus.

So if you’ve ever caught yourself scrolling and feeling less than, or fantasizing about a life you don’t really know, you’re not alone. But you are also not without hope. God has already written a beautiful story for you. You don’t need to copy someone else’s highlight reel to be living in purpose.

Let’s be people who live honestly, love deeply, and look up—more than we look around.