More Than Likes: Finding Your Worth Beyond the Screen

By: Joanne Lien

How many times have you checked your phone today? And how many of those times were just to see who or how many people noticed you? In a society dominated by social media, Catholic teens are constantly pressured to measure their value through likes, views, followers, or appearance. However our faith reminds us that our true worth comes from being created in the image of God, and not from worldly validation. 

On social media platforms such as Instagram, or Tiktok, people post their best moments; which are not even close to a fraction of their full realities. Even while knowing this, it can still be easy to fall into the trap of comparison. As we scroll through carefully edited photos, highlight reels, and seemingly perfect lifestyles; we may begin to feel as if everyone else is living happier, fuller, more successful lives than us. This silent yet constant comparison slowly chips away at our self-esteem and forces us to question our own worth. 

Another struggle social media creates is tension between our identity and image. Online, it is easy to create a version of ourselves that we want the rest of the world to see rather than showing who we truly are. We edit photos, follow trends, and post accordingly to how we want others to see us; yet everyone still intercepts those images differently. In an attempt to try to fit in or become someone else, we lose sight of our authentic selves. As Catholics, scripture reminds us that our identity is not something that is built or earned, but something given by God. As mentioned in Samuel 16:7, people will look at appearances, but the Lord only sees our heart. Our faith calls us to something deeper than our appearances, He calls us to live authentically the way He created us. 

In a world where notifications and numbers constantly compete for our attention, it becomes even more crucial for us to take a step back and refocus on where our true purpose and worth comes from. Taking a digital fast, even for a short period of time, can help our minds reset and break the cycle of comparison and jealousy. Spending that time in prayer can point us back to the fact that our strength and confidence only comes from God and not from the approval of others. In addition to that, we as Catholics can also be more mindful and intentional about the content we consume online, such as through following light hearted and uplifting accounts. Social media itself is not the issue; rather, the problem lies in how we allow it to dictate our perceptions of ourselves and others. When we choose to center our identity in God rather than trends, we begin to see ourselves the way we were always meant to be seen.