Women & Social Media with Sarah Gump
Sarah Gump serves as the Social Media and Marketing Strategist at Cedarville University. Sarah holds two degrees from Liberty University, including a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. Sarah also regularly utilizes her knowledge and enthusiasm for social media to assist her local church in their social media and communications ministry.
Show Notes
What is your favorite or preferred social media platform? Why?
What is your least favorite social media platform? Why?
Why is social media compelling to you?
What are 2-3 ways you believe social media adds to our lives?
By contrast, what would you say are the greatest temptations facing our generation as we scroll through social media?
Why do you think it is so easy to develop harmful social media habits?
A major temptation for many women, including myself, is the temptation to overuse social media. These applications and websites are designed to be addictive as they cater to our individual needs, interests, desires, and even wish-lists. How should female believers think about this aspect of Instagram, Pinterst, Tik Tok, etc, and do you have any practical tips as we seek to decrease our screen time?
In your opinion, how should female believers think about social media comparison, and what advice would you offer to women wrestling with this temptation right now?
The Bible does not specifically address the topic of Social Media, however, the Bible does have a lot to say about communication and the power of our words. What are a few of your favorite or go-to passages of Scripture that discuss communication and the power of our words?
Are there any other biblical principles that can be drawn from the Word of God that may not explicitly address social media but are helpful as we think about this topic?
Do you believe it is possible to utilize social media to fulfill the Great Commission? Are there any specific ways in which you have seen this mission accomplished recently that you are willing or able to share?
Do you have any practical tips for breaking bad social media habits?
How do you personally navigate social media use? Have you set particular boundaries for yourself that have helped you wisely use social media on a personal level?
In your opinion, what are a few key indicators or warning signs that a social media fast or break might be needed or beneficial?
What would an intentional social media fast look like to you?
What are a few practical ways women listening could seek to be counter “social media culture” this week?
What are a few resources you recommend on the topic of social media and wise social media usage?
Notable Quotations
“Social media has really caused us to consider ourselves our own mini marketers or PR professionals. We are tempted to create online personas and to post content that will cause others to think a certain way about ourselves. We are tempted to maintain a certain image.”
“We are always looking for more on social media. We keep scrolling because our appetite is never quenched. We will just keep craving more because the timeline is endless.”
“Don’t go to social media when you are sad and lonely. It can really just compound those feelings.”
“Be mindful who you follow on social media.”
“At Cedarville, Dr. White (President of Cedarville University) often says, ‘No Bible, No Breakfast.’ I like to add to this and say, ‘No Bible, No Breakfast, No Social Media.”
“It’s really important to start your day with the truth of God’s Word and then go to social media. Otherwise, you are not putting on your worldview glasses and it is really easy to be swayed by social media.”
“Just because someone else received a gift of God in their life doesn’t mean that God isn’t doing great things in your life too.”
“Go to social media with your worldview glasses on, having already read the Bible for the day.”
“I really try to use my social media to be uplifting and pleasant because Proverbs says that is sweet to the soul and health to the bones.”
“I encourage people to read slowly on social media and don’t just react to the first headline or tweet that you see. Be slow to take in information.”
“Sometimes when I am idle on social media I am convicted that it is so easy to be a busy body.”
“My encouragement to everyone is that if you are going to be on social media, make it social!”
“I want the person I am on Instagram and Instagram Stories to be the same person I am in real life.”
Scripture References
Proverbs 16:24
Romans 12:15
Galatians 5
1 & 2 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 4:11
2 Thessalonians 3
James 1:19
James 1:26
