KOSSOVAN: Don't let your social media mess with your soul

Nick Kossovan is a Toronto-based writerRecently, while waiting in my doctor's office, I found myself scrolling through my Facebook feed. I stumbled upon a meme that read, "All this arguing over my invisible man is more important than your invisible man." It struck me how social media has amplified our access to a wide range of opinions, judgments and conspiracy theories. This entangle us in trends, social causes and mass movements and sometimes it is at the expense of our spiritual well-being.More often than not, social media lures us away from what truly matters — our inner peace and spiritual growth. But, the meme I encountered garnered over 3,000 likes, illustrating the allure of divisive content. When we immerse ourselves in the toxic "us vs. them" environment social media has become, we risk losing sight of our spiritual journeys, which thrive on acceptance, understanding and personal introspection.Faith and belief flourish best in an environment where they're unquestioned. Exposure to differing viewpoints can cause us to question what we've been taught. When we see individuals projecting on social media that they are living fulfilling lives based on beliefs different from ours, we may wonder about the validity of our convictions. Despite the enlightening benefits of questioning our beliefs and values, it can also lead to confusion, particularly when we're introduced to secular content packaged as "this is success."Engaging with content that contradicts our principles can erode our faith and lead to moral ambiguity. Our social media feeds can be flooded with negativity, including:Pornography that distorts intimacyDivisive political rhetoric that creates anxiety and fearIncessant comparisons with seemingly perfect livesRacial discriminationBullying by trollsContent design to make us want to buy moreMedia outlets intentionally manufacturing fearAs I'm sure you have observed, or even experienced firsthand, we're experiencing unprecedented dissatisfaction and hopelessness, largely due to the comparison with others online. Hence, one of the most profound ways social media interferes with our spirituality is by distancing us from our personal experiences.Due to its addictive nature, social media frequently leads us to spend too much time scrolling through content that numbs our senses and overwhelms our minds, inhibiting the self-reflection essential for spiritual growth. The more we become consumed by social media and engage with curated content, the more we risk losing our personal narratives as we're not exploring our respective history, confronting our emotions and trying to understand our story.Instead of turning inward, many, notably our youth, seek validation and inspiration from virtual strangers and neglect the quest everyone should be on, finding meaning and purpose in life. None of this is to be found on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, et al.Although many social media accounts promote the notion of positivity and self-love, the ideals promoted tend to be prescriptive rather than liberating. The pressure to conform to certain lifestyles or beliefs hinders spiritual exploration. Moreover, the "cancel culture" phenomenon, along with several other self-claiming "progressive movements," suppresses open discussions about spirituality. Many people avoid spiritual conversations or expressing one's beliefs due to a fear of backlash. The possibility of facing hostility and our inherent survival instinct to go along and get along prevent many from exploring their spirituality freely, resulting in a superficial understanding of spirituality.Ask yourself the following pivotal questions: Am I prioritizing my spiritual health with my heart, time, and energy?Does my identity and validation originate from my beliefs and values or online popularity?Do I allow social media to distract me from meaningful connections with the people around me?Keep in mind that social media is not inherently detrimental to our spiritual journeys. There are countless inspiring voices, without any self-serving motive, on social media platforms that encourage us to add more meaning, creativity, and beauty to our lives. The key is to curate your online experiences to align with your spiritual aspirations.Navigating the intersection of social media and spirituality requires mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness is how you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours online and offline. This awareness helps you discern when social media is serving you and when it's detracting you from your spiritual growth.The benefits of regular self-reflection can't be overstated. Connecting with our inner selves and clarifying our spiritual beliefs can be achieved through journaling, meditation, or simply being present which, when done with intention, can counterbalance social media's distractions, fostering a deeper connection with your spirituality.Ultimately, spirituality is about finding meaning, acceptance, and connection in our lives. It's a journey that can be nurtured online and offline if approached with intention and care. Consciously reducing the influence of social media on your spiritual life requires thoughtfully making 'yes and no' decisions, a decision-making exercise that'll give you a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.As you journey through the digital world, keep in mind spiritually aware individuals lead happier, more fulfilled lives. Engaging mindfully on social media is how you protect your spiritual journey, allowing it to flourish in a world where many benefit from creating distractions and divides. The path to a happier life is achieved by your choices offline and online—choose wisely.Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s on his mind from Toronto. You can follow Nick on X/Twitter and Instagram @NKossovan.

KOSSOVAN: Don't let your social media mess with your soul

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