If we believe something is harmful, do we continue doing it?

When it comes to social media, the answer is apparently “yes.”

That’s the conclusion of a new report from Grey Matter Research and Infinity Concepts, Helpful or Harmful? Evangelicals and Social Media.

Based on surveys of over 1,000 American evangelical Protestants, the study explores whether this demographic views social media as more helpful or harmful to Christianity in the U.S.

Fifty-eight percent of evangelicals believe social media is more harmful than helpful, while 42% say the benefits outweigh downsides.

Among the latter group, it is understandable that 97% use social media at least monthly.

More surprising is how little difference there is between the two groups when it comes to social media habits. Among those saying social media is more harmful than helpful, 94% still use it at least monthly.

The internet is nearly ubiquitous among evangelicals, with 95% online. Of those who are online, 96% use social media. Anything this pervasive is worthy of careful examination by the Church.

Evangelicals’ social media habits are similar to those of Americans in general. The most popular social media platforms among evangelicals are Facebook (with 81% visiting at least monthly); YouTube (71%); Instagram (45%); and TikTok (35%).

Evangelicals are more likely than the average American to use Facebook (81% vs. 68%), and slightly less likely to use YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Reddit.

Most social media platforms are more popular the younger evangelicals are. The one exception is Facebook, which is less popular among evangelicals under age 30. (This follows the pattern among Americans in general, according to data from Pew Research Center.)

Majorities of evangelicals under 30 use five different platforms: YouTube (85%); Instagram (68%); Facebook (67%); TikTok (63%); and Snapchat (53%). This falls to three platforms for evangelicals aged 30–49 (YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram) and two for those 50 and older (YouTube and Facebook).

What makes social media a net positive or negative in the minds of evangelicals?

Positive

Evangelicals who believe social media is more helpful than harmful point to several benefits for the Church.

Nearly half (47%) say social media provides opportunities for evangelism and sharing their faith.

The survey further asked people to explain answers in their own words.

“Social media is a defining avenue for spreading the gospel to the world,” one respondent said.

Roughly 2 in 10 (18%) believe social media makes church more accessible. Social media provides the ability to view worship services online, fellowship with believers, and reach people who might not otherwise attend church.

As one survey respondent put it, “Social media allows church services to the homebound, those who wouldn’t be caught dead in a church, and everybody in between.”

Sixteen percent of those who say social media is more helpful than harmful note that it helps connect believers and build Christian community.

“The platform gives people a community of individuals for prayer, empathy, sympathy, and support during trying times,” a participant said.

According to 11% of respondents, social media provides encouragement to other believers and builds or strengthens their faith. Further, 11% say it gives more opportunities for study and learning.

“I have more preachers, teachers, and Bible studies to watch and listen to over social media,” one person remarked. “Without social media, I wouldn’t have the same access to Christian content and teachings.”

Finally, 9% say social media provides a platform for Christians to converse and exchange views.

Negative

Then there are the 58% who say social media is more harmful than helpful to the faith.

Fifty-eight percent of evangelicals believe social
media is more
harmful than
helpful, while
42% say the
benefits outweigh
downsides.

The top reason this group cites for distrusting social media is content that is harmful to Christians (34%). This includes material that is unsafe, sexualized, worldly, hateful, and/or negative.

“There are no filters to what is put out there, making it seem that the most outrageous things people can do appear to be the norm,” one person said. “Things that are hurtful lead in many cases to losing our moral compass.”

Additionally, 29% are concerned about content that is harmful to everyone — not just Christians.

Fifteen percent worry that social media has a negative influence on people’s faith.

“Social media encourages us to stray from God’s Word and plan,” a respondent explained. “It catalyzes negative energy and unfaithfulness.”

Other negatives include the spread of false doctrine and bad teachings (14%); outright lies, gossip, and misinformation about Christianity (14%); and bullying, harassment, and silencing of Christians (11%).

A survey participant said, “Social media is an easy place to get ridiculed and shamed for having strong beliefs.”

Good and Bad

Both the negative and positive comments reflect legitimate insights and experiences.

Some evangelicals talk glowingly of how social media has allowed them to share with others about Jesus, build their faith through study or encouragement, and develop Christian community.

Others decry social media as shallow, distracting, untrue, seductive, and even evil.

But no matter how they feel about it, nearly all evangelicals continue using social media.

In fact, 3% call social media a tool of Satan, demonic, or from the devil. Yet even within this small group, 8 in 10 still use social media.

Evangelicals are not alone in their concerns and criticisms regarding social media. A 2024 survey by the organization More in Common shows 71% of Americans believe not enough attention is paid to the dangers of social media; 58% say social media has a negative impact on children; and 62% support banning social media for children under age 15.

The same study shows broad European support for restricting children’s social media use as well, including among 76% of respondents in the U.K., 74% in France, and 65% in Germany.

There are good and bad sides to most things. Airplanes provide an efficient means of travel, but devastating accidents sometimes occur. Although water is necessary for life, it can also flood communities.

Social media is a tool that can spread truth and lies, encourage and depress, teach and distract.

Perhaps the big question is whether the Church is providing sufficient guidance regarding social media — including how to discern false doctrine, avoid gossip and negativity, and utilize opportunities for sharing the gospel and encouraging others.

Church leaders often preach or teach about faith in the workplace, parenting, marriage, and financial matters. However, there are far more evangelicals using social media on a regular basis than working a job, raising a child, maintaining a marriage, or giving to a church.

For that matter, more evangelicals are using social media than reading the Bible or attending church.

Christian leaders can help believers navigate toward positive content on social media.

Pastors can encourage people to follow their churches on Facebook — and ensure there is quality content so they will want to do so.

Congregations can create online communities or forums where attendees safely connect and strengthen fellowship.

Teachers can compile a list of recommended YouTube channels that produce biblically solid content.

Experienced evangelists can offer guidance on the unique aspects of digital evangelism and apologetics.

As a church leader, what will you do to help people proactively make social media more beneficial than harmful to the Christian faith — and their own lives?

This article appears in the Spring 2025 issue of Influence magazine.