Youth Q&A: Social Media — Is The Juice Worth The Squeeze?
This question was sent in by a student during a Q&A session with the Good Fight Youth Group:
“Are there any positives of social media? Is the juice worth the squeeze?”
That’s a loaded question.
Because social media is… complicated.
It’s not all good, and it’s not all bad. It’s a tool — a powerful one — and like any tool, it depends on how you use it.
But let’s unpack it, starting with the hard stuff.
The Potential to Corrupt
Social media has incredible potential to damage us if we’re not careful.
Let’s be real — it’s like a breeding ground for comparison. You see everyone else’s highlight reels, their perfect vacations, their “best life now,” and it’s hard not to feel like you’re falling behind.
And then there’s anxiety. Studies show how endless scrolling can mess with your mental health, your attention span, and even your sleep.
Don’t even get me started on lust. Social media makes it so easy to stumble, to click on the wrong thing, to let temptation sneak in through the back door of your feed.
So yeah, the dangers are real. And if we’re not aware, social media can shape us in ways that pull us away from Jesus.
The Potential as a Mission Field
But here’s the flip side: Social media is also one of the greatest mission fields of our time.
It’s the public square of the day.
Think about it — where do people spend their time? Where do they go to share their thoughts, their struggles, their lives? Where are they looking for connection, meaning, and hope?
Right there. On TikTok. Instagram. YouTube.
The early church went to where the people were — the marketplace, the synagogue, the streets. Today, one of those places is social media.
So, is the juice worth the squeeze?
Maybe.
Are You Called to the Mission?
Not everyone is. And that’s okay.
Some people need to step back from social media because it’s too toxic for them.
The cost is too high. It’s better for their soul to opt out.
But if you feel called to use social media as a way to share Jesus — to be a light in the digital darkness — then prepare for the battle.
Because it is a battle.
You’re stepping into a space designed to distract you, to keep you addicted, to shape you into its image.
If you’re going to use it for good, you need to be hyper-aware of the ways it tries to corrupt you.
How to Swim Against the Current
Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Educate Yourself.
Read books or listen to podcasts about how social media shapes us. One I’d recommend is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. It’s not just about social media, but it talks about how to live intentionally in a world that pulls at your attention. - Set Boundaries.
Limit your time on social media. Use tools to block certain content. Decide ahead of time how and why you’ll use it, so it doesn’t end up using you. - Be Intentional.
If you’re on social media, don’t just scroll aimlessly. Post things that point people to Jesus. Share your story. Encourage others. Use it as a platform for good, not just for entertainment. - Stay Rooted in Jesus.
This is the most important one. If you’re going to step into social media as a missionary, you need to stay deeply connected to the vine (John 15:5). Spend time in prayer, in Scripture, in real-life community. Let those things shape you more than your feed does.
So, Was the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
It depends.
If social media is leading you into comparison, anxiety, or sin, then no — it’s not worth it. Step back. Protect your heart. It’s not worth losing your soul.
But if you’re called to use it as a tool for God’s kingdom, then yes — the juice might be worth the squeeze.
But only if you’re intentional. Only if you’re prepared for the battle. Only if you let Jesus, not the algorithm, shape who you are.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the tool. It’s about the mission. And if social media is part of your mission, then go for it.
Just don’t lose yourself — or lose sight of your Savior — in the process.
Youth Q&A: Are There Any Positives To Social Media? was originally published in GoodLion Theology on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
