Change. Some embrace and welcome it like a long, lost friend. Others shun it, fleeing from it as if it were a contagion.

As a woman approaching her “Middle Ages”, I can attest to the changes in my physique and metabolism. Gravity does its thing to my body, and wear and tear, stress and strain openly express themselves on my face.

My sons have also changed every year, making steady progress in their journeys from boys to men. There are the outwardly visible changes – like how their feet grow at a pace that might require me to get a paid gig – and the subtle inward changes in their interests and independence.

But the change I want to talk about today is a cultural change I've witnessed, one brought about by social media. People are replacing the original – namely, friendship based on real involvement and investment in one another’s lives -- for a cheap imitation. They’re seeking companionship, accolades and affirmation from so-called cyber friends, instead of finding their true worth and value in God’s eyes.

Social media can be a wonderful tool, when used properly. It’s a source of powerful connection for people separated by many miles. It can inspire creativity, create awareness of local issues, be a source of encouragement, and present opportunities to pray for one another.

But, when not handled with extreme care and caution, it can be a precarious forum. For instance:

• If you’re more interested in what your cyber friends are doing on a Friday night than your own family seated right next to you...you might have a problem.

• If you're desperately trying to impress your rarely seen “screen buddies” – people, if you were honest with yourself, you'd avoid if spotted in a grocery store aisle...you might have a problem.

• If your greatest source of fulfillment and esteem is attached to the number of likes your post garnered...you might have a problem.

• If you announce with pride, your every charitable deed – thereby receiving your reward prematurely...you might have a problem.

• If you engage in heated, argumentative debates, with the intent to “win” rather than seek understanding...you might have a problem. (I’ve done this, but I’m in recovery!)

• If you change your profile picture every other week, or post a deluge of duck face selfies...you might have problem.

• If your sole focus is to perpetuate your image, brand, product or business, and you have an ulterior motive with every stroke of the keyboard...you might have a problem.

If you’ve allowed social media to dictate your worth as you play the comparison game with others’ “dreamy-looking” lives, remember that most of what we read is a highlight reel. No one’s life is free from struggles, so start reading posts with that filter snugly secure. Realize that the only opinion that truly carries weight is God’s. And He thinks you’re pretty great, showing just how valuable you are when He endured the cross for your soul. That’s the ultimate endorsement! Someone taking a few seconds to read a post and click 'like' means very little at all, in comparison to what your Creator feels for you.

Change is not all bad. Social media is not all bad. Let’s just get back to the basics too and take time to connect face-to-face. Let’s be intentional and authentic in our relationships and closely examine our motives behind the content and tone of what we’re publishing out in Cyber Land.

Have you embraced the cultural shift and joined the ranks of Facebook? Has it been a positive addition to your social life? Or has it become a problem for you in any of the ways mentioned in the list above?

Heather Brostrom has been a Christian since she was a teenager. She has suffered with depression for all of her adult life and wonders if some day she will have a unique opportunity to share her story of hope and perseverance. She heartily believes that Jesus has been good to her, showing her that life can still be blessed even through adversity and trials. Read more articles by Heather.

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