Have you ever caught yourself refreshing your phone just to see how many likes or comments your post received? Many of us have. It starts innocently—sharing a moment, a thought, or a memory—but slowly, without realizing it, we begin to crave the reaction. That little red notification becomes a source of joy, and when it does not come, we feel disappointed. What began as a way to share our lives and stay connected has quietly turned into a competition for approval, a silent race for attention where authenticity is often lost.
Social media was meant to bring people together, to bridge distances and build communities. But somewhere along the way, it began to create distance of a different kind—a distance between who we truly are and who we appear to be online. We measure our worth by numbers: likes, followers, shares, and views. And when those numbers fall short of our expectations, we start to feel invisible, unimportant, and unloved. Yet the truth is, no number on a screen can define our worth.
As Christians, we must constantly remind ourselves that true validation does not come from men, but from God. The Bible tells us in Galatians 1:10, “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” These words are a powerful reminder that our worth and purpose come from serving and pleasing God, not from how others perceive us. When our hearts start craving human approval more than divine affirmation, we begin to lose touch with real connection—the kind that nurtures love, faith, and truth.
In our quest for validation, many of us end up living double lives. We show the world our smiles but hide our sorrows. We post the highlight reels while concealing the behind-the-scenes struggles. The photos we share are often edited, filtered, and carefully chosen to portray perfection. And gradually, we start believing that only the filtered version of our lives is worth showing. The danger is that this illusion not only distances us from others, but also from ourselves.
This constant need to perform for an audience affects how we relate to one another. Instead of genuine friendship, we get shallow interactions. Instead of listening, we scroll. Instead of reaching out in person, we drop a comment and move on. The heart-to-heart connections that once gave life meaning are being replaced by virtual applause. We now count engagement instead of empathy. Yet, no emoji can replace a real hug, and no comment can replace a caring conversation.
Jesus Christ gave us a perfect example of what true connection looks like. He spent time with people, not just crowds. He saw the unseen and loved the unloved. He did not need validation to heal, to teach, or to show compassion. He connected with people face-to-face and heart-to-heart. When He met the Samaritan woman at the well, He did not post about it; He spoke with her, listened to her pain, and offered her living water. His example teaches us that love is not about performance but presence.
To heal from the constant hunger for social media validation, we must return to the source of true affirmation—our Creator. God’s love is unconditional, steady, and not dependent on how we appear. Psalm 139 reminds us that God knew us before we were born, that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” That means our value is not something we earn; it is something we already have. The likes, shares, and followers may come and go, but God’s love never fades.
Practically speaking, we can start by setting boundaries. Spend more time in prayer than on profiles. Choose to connect with family and friends in meaningful ways—over meals, in church, or through genuine conversation. When you wake up, let your first thought be gratitude to God, not your social feed. When you feel the urge to compare your life with someone else’s, remind yourself that everyone’s journey is different, and God’s plan for you is unique.
We can also use social media as a tool for good rather than a trap for validation. Share words that uplift rather than impress. Use your platform to encourage others, share testimonies, and spread light in a dark world. Social media itself is not evil; it becomes harmful when we let it control how we see ourselves.
In truth, God never called us to be popular; He called us to be faithful. The world might reward visibility, but heaven rewards sincerity. When we live for likes, we lose purpose; but when we live for love, we gain peace.
So the next time you find yourself scrolling endlessly, waiting for that ping of approval, pause for a moment. Breathe. Look up. Remember that you are already seen, already known, and already loved—by the One who created you. The God who formed you in your mother’s womb does not need a “follow” button to recognize your worth.
Real connection will never come from a glowing screen; it comes from glowing hearts—hearts that reflect God’s love, compassion, and truth. Let us seek those connections again. Let us put the phone down, open the Bible, and open our hearts. For in Christ, we do not need validation from the world. We already have something greater—salvation, purpose, and everlasting love.
