How to Stay Human (And Hopeful) When Scrolling

Have you ever opened your phone “just for a minute” and ended up angry at strangers on the internet? So many of us pick up our phones to relax, but instead feel restless, stressed, and less present to the people right in front of us.

What if your online life could actually become a place to practice hope and love?

In this episode of our Beholding series, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson talk about how phones and social media shape our brains, our bodies, and our relationships — and how small, practical practices can help us stay human, grounded, and open to God, even while we scroll.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why doomscrolling creates “micro-stress cycles” in your body

• Honest stories of losing and finding hope in online spaces

• Simple ways to set boundaries and bring your real self back into the room

Show Notes:

• An article by Amy Julia Becker on engaging faithfully in online conversations (featured on The Colossian Forum’s blog, The Latest)

• The Colossian Forum “Prayer of the Week” — follow us on Instagram for regular prayers @colossianforum

• The Social Dilemma documentary (recommended pre-phone viewing for teens)

• Practice of tracking daily screen time in a paper planner

• Ideas for analog hobbies: reading, coloring, puzzles, tying flies for fishing, walking outside

If you’re interested in learning more about The Colossian Forum, visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media @colossianforum.