When Social Media Steals Your Joy | The Connected Life: Part 1

Oct 26, 2025

In a world overflowing with digital connections, loneliness has reached alarming heights. Discover the impact of doomscrolling and how it fosters comparison, leaving us feeling empty. Craig Groeschel emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions over digital messages. He shares personal stories that highlight the power of presence in building meaningful relationships. With practical advice, he encourages boundaries with technology, urging listeners to choose real-life connections to experience true joy and community.

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ANECDOTE

Power Of One Presence

Craig Groeschel describes receiving many texts after his father's death but only one friend, Scott, who came to sit with him.
That single face-to-face visit highlighted the forgotten power and sacredness of presence.

INSIGHT

Full Feed, Empty Soul

Craig notes society is the most connected ever yet also the most lonely and anxious.
He links heavy screen time to a hollow soul despite full social feeds.

INSIGHT

Digital Risks Are Underprotected

Jonathan Haidt's research shows parents overprotect physically but underprotect digitally.
Craig warns handing devices to kids exposes them to algorithms, pornography, and identity-shaping lies.

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Your feed is full, but how's your heart doing? Discover how to break free from doomscrolling and build the deep, joy-filled connections you're craving.

NEXT STEPS
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ABOUT THIS MESSAGE
We live in the most connected age in history, yet loneliness is at an all-time high. Technology can draw us closer to one another—or leave us isolated. The answer isn't ditching our devices; it's learning how to live The Connected Life and build the meaningful relationships we’re searching for.

Feeling overwhelmed by your phone, screen time, or digital habits? This 19-day Bible Plan will help you reset your rhythms, recenter your heart, and reconnect with God in a tech-filled world: https://go2.lc/connectedbp

What happens when the thing we’re asking about didn’t exist 2,000 years ago? The Bible doesn’t mention phones, social media, or video games—but we can still learn from how Jesus lived. This guide will help you navigate tech, TV, and time with God: https://go2.lc/techguide

How do I quit doomscrolling? What’s the best way to guide my kid’s screen time? Can Christians watch that show? And what about AI? Find practical answers to these questions and more: https://finds.life.church/tech/

Join the 30-Day Bible Challenge
This November, commit to reading God's Word every day for 30 days, and see how it changes your life: https://life.church/globalbiblemonth

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CONNECT WITH PASTOR CRAIG GROESCHEL
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