A Social Media Fast During Lent
This year, as part of observing Lent, I removed two often-used apps from my smartphone, as it felt like the perfect time to do so.
For Christians, Lent lasts 40 days (excluding Sundays) beginning on Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Many use this time for prayer, repentance, and fasting, reflecting on Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. During Lent, some abstain from something they enjoy excessively, such as fast food, candy, or alcohol. Others adopt new habits like fasting, journaling, or exercising daily.
Leading up to Lent, my social media activity consumed much of my day. After silencing my morning alarm, I’d unconsciously check social media—sometimes even before my meditation time. That bothered me. It distorted my clarity of what I wanted to accomplish the day ahead. Also, reading political news on these platforms negatively affected my emotional and mental health.
On Ash Wednesday, I resolved to remove the apps from my smartphone and immerse myself in the essence of the season. At the midpoint of Lent, I’ve made several observations. Here are my top three:
1. I don’t miss it – I don't have FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) without the apps, and so far, I have not missed vital information. If and when my husband shares updates from his timeline, I occasionally reply, “Honey, I don’t care.” I still watch the news, so I trust that if something significant happens, I will hear about it there.
2. No longer bound—no more chains holding me** – These words from a gospel song truly describe the freedom I feel from not keeping up with every detail of someone else's life. If someone asks me, “Did you see...?” I simply respond, “No.” The person might share the news, or drop the subject, but in either case, I don’t mind. Without the apps, I can enjoy ignorance and free myself from information overload, which helps lower my anxiety and boosts my joy quotient.
3. Reclaiming my time – Maxine Waters said it best: I am reclaiming my time from mindless social media scrolling, sending reels to friends, or reading redundant news. I’ve noticed I have extra time in the evenings to read periodicals and hardcover books that have been waiting for me to open. I also have time to explore different forms of writing, such as poetry.
I am uncertain if or when I will reinstall these applications on my phone after Lent. I now value the importance of being present and reducing my engagement with social media. As I have learned these lessons, I remain open to acquiring further insights that this Lenten Season may offer.
