The Toll Scrolling Is Already Taking on the Next Generation

The quest for instant validation through likes, comments, and shares isn’t a passing trend—it’s already shaping the identity of today’s youth. Each notification offers a rush of dopamine and, with it, a subtle but powerful pull toward dependency on external approval. While this might seem harmless on the surface, it’s feeding an addiction that’s rooted deeply in the desire for external affirmation. This is the age of the “like” button, and for many, it has become a symbol of self-worth.

Proverbs 13:4 (KJV) says, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” The key here is diligence—not in seeking digital approval, but in diligently rooting our identity in Christ. Our worth is not determined by the number of likes but by who God says we are. The next generation is learning to equate their value with a number, and the more they scroll, the more this validation becomes their measuring stick.

This dependency on external approval is dangerously addictive. It fosters a constant need for more likes, more comments, and more affirmation. In turn, it feeds an insatiable desire for attention, constantly raising the stakes. But here’s the truth: true validation comes from God alone. Let’s remind the next generation that their worth is defined by their Creator—not by the fleeting approval of others.

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The pressure to live up to unrealistic standards is already hitting young people hard. Social media - displays curated, picture-perfect lives, leaving little room for the imperfections that make us human. Young people are bombarded with carefully crafted versions of reality, which quickly become the measuring stick by which they compare their own lives. This daily comparison isn’t just an occasional feeling—it’s undermining young people’s sense of self-worth, shaping how they see themselves.

Psalm 139:14 (KJV) affirms, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This verse speaks to the truth that we are not defined by our appearance, our followers, or the curated lives we see online. Our worth is grounded in the fact that we were created by God, and He has called us “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This truth is vital for the next generation to internalize—especially when they feel less than or inadequate compared to others online.

The problem isn’t going away; it’s already here. But the solution isn’t hiding from social media or rejecting technology altogether. It’s in reminding our young people that they are more than what they see online. They are more than the followers they have or the likes they receive. They are children of God, deeply loved, and uniquely designed for His purposes.

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As more time is spent scrolling, more meaningful relationships are lost. Rather than engaging deeply with family, friends, or church communities, young people are more likely to scroll through digital interactions, neglecting face-to-face communication. The impact of this disconnect is already being felt in schools, homes, and even churches, where screens are replacing meaningful conversation.

Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) urges us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” But scrolling has made it easy to forsake real relationships. We’ve traded time spent in real community for time spent in the digital world. Young people are connecting through their screens, but the genuine, soul-deep connections that come from face-to-face conversation are being replaced by superficial digital exchanges.

The solution isn’t to demonize technology. We can use it for good—by creating spaces for virtual fellowship and spreading the Gospel. But we must also intentionally prioritize in-person relationships. This starts at home, with families making time to connect without distractions, and it continues in churches, where communities come together in real time to worship, pray, and grow.

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Perhaps the most dangerous impact of scrolling is on spiritual health. With constant digital noise, many young people struggle to carve out time for stillness, prayer, or quiet reflection on God’s Word. The distraction of scrolling is drowning out the quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit, making it harder to engage in the deeper work of spiritual growth.

Psalm 46:10 (KJV) says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” But how can we be still when our devices are constantly pulling us in different directions? The reality is that many young people are so caught up in the fast-paced world of social media that they’ve lost the art of stillness. The quiet moments of prayer, reflection, and worship have been drowned out by the constant stream of notifications and endless scrolling.

This disconnection from God is damaging. We are called to seek Him, to be still before Him, and to hear His voice. But when we fill our time with digital noise, we’re missing out on the intimacy He longs to have with us. We must help the next generation reclaim that stillness—making time for prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and for quiet reflection.

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The toll of scrolling is already being felt, but it’s not too late to make a change. The first step is recognizing the importance of our attention. The next generation must reclaim their time—time spent in prayer, with loved ones, and focused on purpose. This shift won’t be easy, but it is necessary.

We can also reclaim our identity. Instead of looking to social media for validation, we must root our worth in Christ. Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” Let’s encourage young people to embrace their identity as God’s masterpieces, free from the pressures of comparison.

The Path Forward: Practical Steps for the Next Generation

Here are a few steps to help the next generation fight the toll scrolling is taking:

1. Create Tech-Free Zones

Whether it’s during family dinners or before bedtime, encourage time away from screens to connect with God and others.

2. Engage in Real Conversations

Prioritize face-to-face interactions. The deepest relationships are built in person, not through a screen. Teach the value of undistracted, meaningful dialogue.

3. Set Intentional Time for Prayer and Bible Study

Teach young people to carve out time for quiet reflection, free from digital distractions. Technology can be a tool for spiritual growth, but it must not replace time spent in the presence of God.

4. Reclaim Identity in Christ

Remind them that their worth isn’t determined by digital approval but by the truth of who they are in Christ. Help them understand that their true identity is found in God alone, not in the number of followers or likes they have.

5. Balance Technology Use

Help them develop healthy boundaries with technology. Apps that track screen time can be useful tools for accountability, but we must also encourage young people to be self-aware and intentional about their digital habits.

The toll scrolling is taking is real, but with intentional steps, we can turn the tide. Let’s help the next generation reclaim their time, their attention, and their identity in Christ.

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