Looting of UN Aid Convoy Deepens Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
US Vetoes UN Resolution Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza
Novo Nordisk Launches Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy in China Amid Rising Demand
Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani Charged with $250M Fraud in the U.S.
Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Gaza, Including Rescue Worker, Amid Intensified Offensive
The ancient practice of fasting and praying has hit a new level of sophistication in the age of social media. The likes of Instagram are changing spiritual practices, bringing about benefits and challenges. Let’s look closer at the intersection of faith and social media.
Fasting and prayer have long been part of several religions. However, as social media gains more ground in this scenario, these practices become more dangerous. A need for validation and approval infuses most religious practices. Many people feel compelled to share their spiritual journeys online, making deeply personal experiences public performances.
This combination of spiritualism and social media raises many questions regarding authenticity. Are people doing all these things, or only to gain a few likes and followers? On one hand, some would believe that sharing spiritual experiences promotes others to do the same thing; however, critics counter that it dilutes the very nature of the practices involved.
Social media will establish a certain kind of community of those fasting and praying, thereby fostering feelings of defeat or victory relative to challenges or accomplishments. While social media establishes the community aspect, it has the effect of comparison, leading to competition and pulling the emphasis away from individual relationships towards one’s faith.
This has led to balancing personal private faith and public expression of spirituality. Emphasis on true communion and reflection can keep the spiritual practice sacred yet touch people through community involvement.
‘Blending fasting, prayer, and social media has opportunities and challenges. As people discover their spirituality in the age of Instagram, it’s vital to stay aware of motivations for sharing and keep practices authentic. This changing landscape of faith brings with it a reflection on what it means to be spiritual in a hyper-connected world.’
For more reporting like this, please follow Newsdecensored on your favorite social media sites and bookmark the website. Thank you for your interest and support.