Media Alert!
June 2025
Blog #67
Sue Summers
MediaSavvyKids.org
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
“Social Connection – Who Needs It?”
We were created to desire relationships with other people, first with our families, and then with neighbors, schoolmates, teachers and coaches, teammates, and others who come into our lives.
“Though recent technological advances afford greater means for connection than at any other moment in human history, many people still feel isolated and disconnected. Indeed, loneliness in the American population has reached epidemic levels, and Americans’ trust in each other has reached a historic low.” (https://thefulcrum.us/bridging-common-ground/community-engagement)
It’s worth noting that many people no longer interact with their neighbors, other than perhaps a simple wave or the casual “How are you doing?” Do we even know our neighbors?
Church attendance – a place where relationships generally thrive – has decreased. “Two decades ago, an average of 42% of U.S. adults attended religious services every week or nearly every week. A decade ago, the figure fell to 38%, and it is currently at 30%.” (https://news.gallup.com/poll/642548/church-attendance-declined-religious-groups.aspx)
Cell phones and ear buds are the norm – in waiting rooms, in classrooms, in stores, on walks, on public transportation, and even in the family vehicle!
Many of our teens live in isolation, choosing their bedrooms over their families. Dining together, which used to be common among families of all socio-economic classes, now ranges between 36% for the more affluent and 51% for the working class. (https://www.childtrends.org/publications/connected-at-the-table-the-importance-of-family-meals)
This statistic matters because “Over three decades of research have shown that regular family meals offer a wide variety of physical, social-emotional and academic benefits. While some of these benefits can be gained through other activities, eating together is the only single activity that is known to provide all of them at the same time.” (https://thefamilydinnerproject.org/about-us/benefits-of-family-dinners)
Extended family members, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, often live far away or are not available to gather for celebrations.
“As social creatures, it’s natural for human beings to want to be seen and acknowledged by other people. Small gestures such as eye contact or a smile, even from a stranger, can foster feelings of connection signaling that our existence matters. Instead, when these signals are absent, a person may come to feel like they don’t matter, or that they’re not worthy of others’ attention.” (https://thefulcrum.us/bridging-common-ground/community-engagement)
Does social media affect the lack of social connection?
“Although social media platforms were developed to foster connectivity, they have emerged as significant contributors to teen loneliness and isolation globally. The pervasive nature of social media can create feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and exclusion among teenagers, leading to a sense of disconnection from peers and the community.
The constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic representations on social media can distort perceptions of reality, fostering feelings of loneliness and isolation. Adolescents may feel pressured to conform to unrealistic standards and experience heightened levels of anxiety and social withdrawal as a result. Thus, understanding the impact of social media on teen isolation is essential in addressing the mental health challenges faced by today’s youth.” (https://www.alisbh.com/blog/common-causes-of-teen-isolation-and-how-to-identify-them)
“Humans are social beings: We desire to feel connected to others, and even connecting with strangers can potentially boost our mood.” (https://thefulcrum.us/bridging-common-ground/community-engagement)
Genesis shows us that God created life for relationship. He made Eve for Adam and then the three of them enjoyed walking and talking together in the Garden. Relationship is the DNA of His creation! Helping teens develop the skills of sociability, appropriately engaging and interacting with others – even those they don’t know – results in positive lifelong behaviors.
So how can we help teens become media-savvy about the culture that surrounds them?
Teens need direction from their parents and other adults in their lives. They learn from what they see modeled and also from conversations and occasional correction from those who care about them. Here are some ways to help them acquire effective interpersonal skills.
• Model simple and polite ways to connect with those you don’t know, such as workers in stores, restaurants, and waiting rooms.
• If necessary, take time to practice with teens some appropriate ways to interact with those we don’t know. Focus on body language, eye contact, confidence, and smiles.
• Discuss this statement: “As social creatures, it’s natural for human beings to want to be seen and acknowledged by other people.” Ask, “How can we be more intentional in recognizing others?”
• Discuss their school situation. Ask, “Are there students who don’t seem to belong to a group or who sit by themselves at lunchtime? Is there a way to personally acknowledge them?”
• Discuss this quote by Simon Sinek: “The greatest gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” Explain what empathy means and why it is important.
• In the movie Avatar, the people of Pandora greeted each other with “I see you”. Why do you think they chose that greeting and what did they mean when they said it?
• Plan opportunities to volunteer as a family, working together with people you don’t already know. This can be at your church’s outreach, local food banks, nursing homes, animal shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and many other organizations.
• Explain that Christians are to demonstrate the attributes of Christ. Share and discuss this scripture in Colossians 3:12:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
• Note: Share this blog with your church’s youth pastor as a lesson for youth group gatherings.
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Sue Summers is a Christian media analyst, teacher, author, and speaker.
She is the Director of Media Alert!
Contact Info:
Blogs: MediaSavvyKids.org
Website: http://www.MediaAlert.org
Email: Sue@MediaAlert.org
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Media Alert! 