Comments on: Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad

By: Jill Jones

Jill Jones — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:10:06 +0000

Excellent points. I have also found on Facebook (and especially Twitter) if you are honest about your life and the way you feel, some will be critical and outright nasty. Being completely honest, open and vulnerable is how lasting relationships are formed. In our facebook/twitter world, people don’t want to have a relationship–they would rather measure importance by how many friends or followers they have.

Thank goodness God doesn’t measure us by how popular we are.

By: The Dangers of Facebook

The Dangers of Facebook — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:53:33 +0000

[...] Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad by Russell Moore [...]

By: Jennifer K

Jennifer K — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:23:21 +0000

@Chip Collins,

That can apply to any of us, really… When I see friends post and get tons of responses every time, and sometimes I get none, it makes me feel invisible (and sad?). Sometimes I think it’s just Satan’s way discouraging us, and I try not to let it bother me.

By: Abigail

Abigail — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 03:28:03 +0000

So glad to know that it’s not just me! I remember telling my husband just a few weeks ago that Facebook was depressing.

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:56:44 +0000

Wow! I was just thinking on this tonight.

A few months back, I decided to leave my Facebook for a time, because of this very issue. I would get on and see how people that were once close to my life were continuing on. I felt like I was left in the dust, so I removed it.

I was reflecting on how I decided to leave because I was hoping that people would connect with me outside of FB, it hasn’t really happened.

I was reminded that my joy must not be circumstantial and not dependent on the people I’m around, or not around.

Anyway, it boils down to the fact that we must learn to set our hope in God.

Thanks for this.

By: kazim khan

kazim khan — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:28:32 +0000

their are 2 differnt worlds!!!
one is real life and other one is facebook life!!!
one showing himself too simple and cute in facebook may be a wretch or culprit in real life!!
facebook must only be used as a communication meidia and must not be taken otherwise!!!

By: Death to social media « The House of Vines

Death to social media « The House of Vines — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:18:33 +0000

[...] texting to do anything as Bill Nye collapses on stage Facebook linked to 1 in 5 divorces in the US Facebook and your church might be making you sad ‘Tree octopus’ is latest evidence the internet is making kids dumb Facebook to share [...]

By: Christ Awareness Day « Chronicles of Natalie

Christ Awareness Day « Chronicles of Natalie — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:47:57 +0000

[...] recently read an article entitled “Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might be Making You Sad,” which provides a helpful explanation and corrective for the slight depression that can come from [...]

By: why i quite facebook « here to buy gold, refined in the fire

why i quite facebook « here to buy gold, refined in the fire — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 02:15:37 +0000

[...] Why facebook (and your church) might be making you sad [...]

By: Weekend Links

Weekend Links — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:00:43 +0000

[...] I thought this was really insightful: Why Facebook (and your church) might be making you sad [...]

By: iPródigo | Por que o Facebook (e sua igreja) podem estar te deixando triste?

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:41:29 +0000

[...] Rafael Bello| iprodigo.com | original aqui AKPC_IDS += “4508,”; [...]

By: The Danger of Social Media | HcSquared

The Danger of Social Media | HcSquared — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:23:05 +0000

[...] http://www.russellmoore.com/2011/01/27/why-facebook-and-your-church-might-be-making-you-sad/ [...]

By: Facebook « Life According to the Christians

Facebook « Life According to the Christians — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:31:38 +0000

[...] as me and give it up, but to shed some light, wisdom, and perspective on it. Here’s the article. “Why Facebook (and your Church) might be making you sad.” I’d also strongly [...]

By: The Lovely Grind « See Jane Write…

The Lovely Grind « See Jane Write… — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:08:59 +0000

[...] cousin pointed out an article recently that discusses how Facebook and blogs (and churches) may be contributing to depression [...]

By: Kelly Webster

Kelly Webster — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:35:05 +0000

Very well put…..

“By not speaking, where the Bible speaks, to the full range of human emotion—including loneliness, guilt, desolation, anger, fear, desperation—we only leave our people there, wondering why they just can’t be “Christian” enough to smile through it all.”

I believe that many don’t share these other emotions with us because they will be met with a lack of compassion. We should always be ready to encourage the fainthearted with love. We should be ready to weep with those who weep and sometimes that requires silence (instead of solutions).

By: FRC Blog » The Social Conservative Review: February 3, 2011

FRC Blog » The Social Conservative Review: February 3, 2011 — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:52:05 +0000

[...] “Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad,” Russell D. Moore, Moore to the Point [...]

By: Beth Dawson

Beth Dawson — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:49:11 +0000

Interestingly, I have found that often the 12-step group I attend is more “real” than church. Seems like it’s for the very reason you talk about. Joys are shared, but so are sorrows, and the solution is always a spiritual one. There is a feeling of total empathy and acceptance, but there is also accountability.

By: ALV

ALV — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:36:35 +0000

@Andy, I thought the same thing!

By: Off Topic: Facebook is Making People Sad | Christian Outreach

Off Topic: Facebook is Making People Sad | Christian Outreach — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:26:21 +0000

[...] Facebook is Making People Sad This is not an anti-Facebook post–I promise. However, I thought this blog entry was really interesting. Not only does it discuss how Facebook can make people sad but it compares [...]

By: Happy Christian Woman

Happy Christian Woman — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:51:57 +0000

I have nothing to complain about where FB is concerned and would never use that forum to vent. I am a singles leader and bible study teacher and when I need to be vulnerable, I do that with my leaders, not the general public.

I love the Lord and this life is gravy and icing; I have no reason to be unhappy. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Don’t get me wrong, though. When I get together with my ladies studies, we share and cry and repent and lay down our cares to Jesus.

I just don’t think FB is the place to do this. Wait for bible study or cell group or church service to lay bare your soul.

By: Facebook Making us Depressed? | Christ and Pop Culture

Facebook Making us Depressed? | Christ and Pop Culture — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:56:21 +0000

[...] Moore, who has become my favorite Baptist after John, recently wrote a helpful post on a study which claimed that logging onto Facebook can make you depressed. The key is that since [...]

By: Ruth MacCarthaigh

Ruth MacCarthaigh — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:22:52 +0000

Good post. I linked it to my blog.

By: Off Topic: Facebook is Making People Sad | Church Outreach Ministry

Off Topic: Facebook is Making People Sad | Church Outreach Ministry — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:06:13 +0000

By: Off Topic: Facebook is Making People Sad | Church Sports Outreach | Sports Ministry | Recreation Ministry

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:47:44 +0000

[...] Topic, Research, by Tim BriggsThis is not an anti-Facebook post–I promise. However, I thought this blog entry was really interesting. Not only does it discuss how Facebook can make people sad but it compares [...]

By: For goodness’ sake, BE HAPPY! « Thoughts of Sam Isaacson

For goodness’ sake, BE HAPPY! « Thoughts of Sam Isaacson — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:31:51 +0000

[...] a thought-provoking article over here right now explaining that the combination of Facebook, Twitter, and church make people sad. [...]

By: Sara Cappello

Sara Cappello — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:43:00 +0000

I agree with the points made in this artice- it’s good to be reminded from time to time about our tendency to see the grass as greener….

That said, since this is a fallen world, what we get is a fallen Facebook. C’est la vie.

By: JAD

JAD — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:01:19 +0000

@Wendy Merdian,

Thank you for reminding us of some of the benefits of our electronic age, particularly Facebook. Using social media tools such as FB can be a great source of communicating with missionaries who are thousands of miles away. I wish Dr. Moore would’ve pointed that out in his article. How many needs and prayer requests have been met by a congregation because of these “tools for good”?

Overall, though, good article by Dr. Moore. Bring on Psalm 88!

By: Top Headlines Today including: chocolate extinction, facebook depression, and more : News & Views From a Christian Perspective

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:49:23 +0000

[...] Facebook and your church might be making you sad. [...]

By: The Cityscape: January 29 « amazing grey city

The Cityscape: January 29 « amazing grey city — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 16:21:29 +0000

[...] SAD FACE-BOOK: Read why Facebook is making people sad. [...]

By: Desert Springs Church Blog » Sermon Follow-up: “So What Do We Mean by Community?”

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:00:50 +0000

[...] of Facbeook as a place where people often feel more connected than they are. R.C. Sprou Jr. and Russell Moore have published helpful articles exploring the place of Facebook in the Christian life and the [...]

By: Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad « Digging Deeper

Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad « Digging Deeper — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 12:14:22 +0000

[...] That’s one reason I suggest reading this excellent article by Russell Moore -Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might be Making You … [...]

By: // saturday round-up (29/01) « worship music should sound like this

// saturday round-up (29/01) « worship music should sound like this — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 11:51:44 +0000

[...] social media is making us depressed from a different (and welcome) angle. The article itself is here and I like Russell Moore’s call to integrity, to not wearing a shiny, happy mask at church [...]

By: Wendy Merdian

Wendy Merdian — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 07:45:38 +0000

Dr. Moore, thanks for this reminder.

As an expat blogging believer living in Amman, Jordan, I have found facebook a place to be in fellowship with other believers all over the world. To be able to pray on the spot for real needs, to see my kids receive godly encouragement, be an example of true-faced Christianity before Muslim friends and now, to be a part of the anti-regime revolutions in our region, it is a joy. A tool for good.

FB is just a reflection of who we truly are. Let’s adjust our reflection to better mirror our Lord in ALL ways, on and off-line.

By: Suzannah Kiper

Suzannah Kiper — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 04:08:28 +0000

Thank you, Dr. Moore! Beautifully written and very encouraging article. Thank you for your insights on this very timely subject.

By: mary k

mary k — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:15:45 +0000

Dr. Moore … an encouraging note for those of us “trudging in circles in desolate, forgotten corners” of the world :)

By: Fylvia Fowler Kline

Fylvia Fowler Kline — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:11:32 +0000

Excellent post. The Facebook facade is probably very appealing to FB’s primary users, women between 30 and 50, many of whom feel the need to recreate themselves in the perspective of peers.

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:58:49 +0000

Would have to say my most rewarding use of Fb is sharing excellent articles such as this one! Dr. Moore makes us think; I like that a lot.

By: Facebook and Church « Stu Station

Facebook and Church « Stu Station — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:03:01 +0000

[...] article is well worth reading -Why Facebook and Your Church Might Be Making You Sad. “By showcasing the most witty, joyful, bullet-pointed versions of people’s lives, and inviting [...]

By: Scott Smith

Scott Smith — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:18:24 +0000

Great post!

On FB, and in our private circles for that matter, I think that *who* we are friends with makes a big difference. I have a lot of FB friends. I have hidden a handful of them that are occasionally course. I have hidden *far* more of them who are friends from church that are very plastic and cheery all the time. Drives me nuts.

I have had a far more fulfilling life (notice I didn’t just say “happy”) since I made the conscience decision to spend more time with honest, balanced people as opposed to those who feign humility, piety, happiness, etc.

Thanks for the great summary! I’ll be passing it on.

By: Israel Sanchez

Israel Sanchez — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:16:49 +0000

I’m certainly glad that there are more voices out there saying something like this. And I’m referring to the Facebook sense of alienation, as well as the sugar-high churches.

I wrote something similar not long ago:

http://lovedoesntletgo.blogspot.com/2010/11/christians-do-suffer.html

And just something I find interesting, I just read an old article on Christianity Today that you wrote about adoption.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:16:28 +0000

I just read this out loud to my 2 teenage daughters! My oldest said, “I think I’ve heard something like that before.” Oh yes, that is my soapbox that I get on regularly. :) I love it that these things are apparently echoing in her head — hopefully they are stuck there!

I’m always grateful for an objective outsider whose words validate my own to my kids’ ears! Thanks so much, you said it better than I could.

Jennifer

By: Mark Snoeberger

Mark Snoeberger — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:57:21 +0000

I remember thinking this very thing years ago when I opened our church’s then-new hymnal and saw that the line

“Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.”

had been changed to

“Teach me the patience of unceasing prayer.”

The former matches reality, but it’s not a very cheery thought.

By: When we don’t feel like worship « Renewed Mess

When we don’t feel like worship « Renewed Mess — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:55:33 +0000

[...] the idea of worshiping joyfully even when I don’t feel like worship, I came across this great blog post from Dr. Russell Moore. Of particular interest to me was this statement: By not speaking, where the [...]

By: Amy Timco

Amy Timco — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:52:51 +0000

Interesting article. The thing is, I know people who have no inhibitions whatsoever about sharing their angst on Facebook, and I really do not think a public status is the place to bewail your job, spouse’s shortcomings, deepest personal si…ns, etc. It can so easily become just another attention-getter — oh look, So-And-So is feeling blue, let’s try to help her with perky messages about what a beautiful woman she is.

Sharing your tears and struggles on Facebook, being all raw and real sounds very well, but the reality is not so beneficial. Most of the time when I see people over-sharing like that, it’s all about them getting attention. And I find myself offering consolation/advice that is as cheap as the ploy they used to get it.

Just something to consider…

By: Julia

Julia — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:14:23 +0000

@Jennifer S, Amen. I’m new to the SAHM world and I feel a much deeper connection to those who are brave enough to share the good, the bad and the ugly. Because, Lord knows, I screw up every day. To read all about the perfect lives of those who don’t is nothing short of depressing.

By: Facebook is making us sad « A Faith To Live By

Facebook is making us sad « A Faith To Live By — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:30:38 +0000

[...] Russel Moore makes a broader point in his challenge to the church; [...]

By: Around the Blogosphere 1/28/2011 | Servants of Grace

Around the Blogosphere 1/28/2011 | Servants of Grace — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:28:52 +0000

[...] 10, & Hebrews 4. Why facebook and your church might be making you sad by Dr. Russell Moorehttp://www.russellmoore.com/2011/01/27/why-facebook-and-your-church-might-be-making-you-sad/ Believe when you preach: [...]

By: Nate Gordon

Nate Gordon — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:51:42 +0000

From the little I’ve seen, Facebook boils down to image control. This is why we all look happy on Facebook (or in the pew for that matter)–we’re the ones choosing the pictures and the status updates, we’re the ones choosing the chipper status updates…we desperately want people to think of us in a certain way.

There is such incredible freedom in deliberately living in a way so as to make the perception of who I am, and the reality of who I am be within spitting distance of each other.

By: Handeling Criticism, Hitler, Church Planters, Communion & Facebook « Him we proclaim…

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:53:29 +0000

[...] Facebook and your church [...]

By: Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad : Worship.com

Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad : Worship.com — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:22:25 +0000

[...] Moore to the Point by Russell D. Moore. AKPC_IDS += “3235,”;Popularity: unranked [...]