Pastoral counselling guidelines to address the negative effect of social media on the self-worth of believers

Abstract

Pastoral counselling guidelines to address the negative effect of social media on the self-worth of believers The tremendous growth of social networking sites (Facebook and Instagram) has fuelled questions amongst both social scientists, as well as general public about the antecedents, correlates, consequences and effects on self-worth when using these platforms. Less attention has been given to self-worth as directed by God for finding Christian identity and methods of avoiding comparing the self to social media images. Scientific studies have established that unconditional self-acceptance and self-compassion are good indicators of finding the answer to “Who am I"? This study has set itself the task of examining the causes, symptoms and results of low selfworth due to comparing the self to social media images. It further aims to study the phenomenon of God creating mankind in His image, as wonderful and fearful beings. It uses information from Scripture and literature studies to indicate or suggest counselling guidelines to address the negative effect of social media on self-worth of believers.