Shifting Standards

Is social media shaping your beliefs more than God’s Word is? Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees in Matthew 15 speaks straight to that pull.

“Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus … ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders?’ … He answered them, ‘And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?’” (Matthew 15:1–3)

The world has been transformed by social media usage. While the numbers continue to rapidly climb, it’s commonly reported that in the U.S., at least well over 250 million American adults are active users on social media. The average person in the U.S. spends more than 2 hours per day on social media like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, making these social networks powerful in shaping beliefs and influencing thoughts.

This phenomenon illustrates timeless tendencies to be curious; to want to know what other people think; to be up on the latest rumors, gossip, and news; to desire popularity; and to stay in step with cultural trends.

Jesus encountered these same tendencies in His dealings with the Jewish leaders. They complained that the disciples were breaking their traditions, but Jesus responded by describing their actions as breaking, or going to the side of, the commandments of God.

Jesus continued, pointing out that the traditions they were clinging to were ideas and beliefs that had been transmitted from person to person—not God’s commands, but the social networks of their time.

God gave timeless standards for every generation, yet some overlook His Word for human customs. Don’t get caught up in social media or other ideas passed from person to person. Make sure that God’s timeless Word is your standard.

Reflection Question: How much influence does social media have on your thoughts and actions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do Americans really spend on social media?

Recent industry data puts U.S. active social media users well over 250 million, with average daily use commonly cited around two hours—figures that continue to shift year to year as platforms and habits change.

What’s the real issue Jesus raised with the Pharisees—tradition itself, or something else?

Jesus wasn’t condemning tradition generally; He confronted cases where human tradition was elevated above, or used to sidestep, God’s actual commands (Matthew 15:3-6).

How can I evaluate whether social media is shaping my beliefs more than Scripture is?

Track which one you turn to first for answers about how to live, what to value, or what’s normal—habits of attention reveal priorities more reliably than stated beliefs.