Sociality and Spirituality in the Digital Age

Contributor: Josh Bunnell

In the digital age, relationship building has transitioned into a virtual environment.  People communicate via text messages, emails, phone calls, and Zoom meetings.  Online communication is valuable – for the impatience of our Internet-indulgent culture demands something speedier than letters or carrier pigeons – but is it ideal?  Or does the virtuality of Internet-based friendships make them any less real?

God created humans to be social creatures, calling them to meet together in church and elsewhere.  The Lord has provided no excuse for His people not to participate in fellowship, but “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV).

The Thirst for Face-to-Face Interaction

Even in this technologically advanced age, it is no secret that face-to-face interactions are generally healthier and more sincere than online interactions.  A recent study published by Scientific Reports has demonstrated that face-to-face communication has a much more positive effect on mental well-being than virtual communication.  

At the very least, the almost complete lack of visible facial expressions or body language in online communication often leads to unintended messages, while truth is more easily detected when two or more people are interacting in the same room.

It is no coincidence that the Bible encourages face-to-face interaction: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25, NIV).  Additionally, the Apostle Paul, who famously wrote letters to several churches, traveled hundreds of miles to visit these churches in the flesh.  Even in Genesis, when God decided that Adam should not be alone, He gave him a live human being.

The Success of One Online Curriculum

Odyssey Leadership is a relatively recent, yet highly praised curriculum for graduates of Challenge IV.  While the hundreds of Classical Conservations communities are locally based and in-person, Odyssey Leadership comprises students from all across the nation.  Thus, Odyssey  Leadership uses an online platform to unite students in community.

Even though the class primarily communicates via text messaging and weekly video calls, all students will agree that the program’s most fulfilling feature is the in-person trips across the country.  During these four excursions, students engage in discussions, lead devotions, assist with cooking meals, and fellowship together.  The seeds of social and spiritual skills are planted and cultivated through online communication, then they fully blossom during the excursions.

A Launchpad, Not a Life Source

Although Odyssey Leadership comes to an inevitable conclusion, the program is a launchpad for students to build community in their churches or wherever they call home.  Jesus Himself spoke, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20, NIV).  This is what makes the four excursions such special times; they are moments when the class can converse, worship, and have fun without the barriers that are formed by smartphones and Wi-Fi. 

The Answer

There is a time for online communication and there is a time for in-person interaction.  The love of Christ is so powerful that it can touch souls, even across virtual platforms.  Knowing and keeping a healthy balance between the two is key to developing a healthy social and spiritual life in the post-millennial age.  Online communication is a beneficial tool to connect with others and build community.  However, when people meet together in person, that is when they will experience the most fulfilling fruits of fellowship.

Further Reading

Face-to-face more important than digital communication for mental health during the pandemic by S. Stieger, et al.