Ep. 555 The Cyber Effect: Nine Ways Technology Shapes Us

Shows Main Idea – In this episode, I’m diving into something that’s quietly shaping our thoughts, our relationships, and even our sanctification—the digital world. Whether we recognize it or not, the cyber world is forming us. It’s not just neutral content floating in cyberspace; it’s a cultural pull, competing for our hearts, time, and devotion. I’m going to explore this cyber effect, not as a secular psychology study, but as a biblical framework for evaluating the impact of technology on the soul. I’ll walk through nine specific effects—from the way devices impact real-life relationships, to how social media shapes identity, to the slow drift away from the local church. This episode isn’t about throwing away your phone or deleting every app. It’s about re-centering your heart on Christ, so you’re not swept along by the current of online culture. Psalm 19 tells us that God’s Word restores the soul and makes the simple wise. That’s our aim. Let’s bring God’s Word to bear on cyberspace so that we can love God more deeply and others more intentionally—even in a digital age.

Show Notes

More Helpful Resources:

• How Cyber Relationships Effect Real World Relationships
• Seven Ways Facebook Is Similar To Using Porn
• Being Honest About the Limitations of Social Media Relationships

1. Opening Scripture Reflection

• Psalm 19:7–14 — God’s Word revives, enlightens, and protects.
• God’s wisdom vs. the digital world’s pull.

2. What Is “The Cyber Effect”?

• Define the concept: the subtle but powerful way digital life is shaping our thoughts, identity, and community.

3. Walk Through Each Effect with Biblical Solutions

1. The Real World Effect – Is cyberspace replacing presence?
   1. Scripture anchor: Luke 8:43–48 – Jesus stops for people.
2. The Identity Effect – Are “likes” defining your worth?
   1. Scripture anchor: Genesis 1:27 – You bear God’s image.
3. The Stranger Effect – Do online connections offer false intimacy?
   1. Scripture anchor: Hebrews 10:24–25 – Stir one another in love, in person.
4. The Disinhibition Effect – Are you careless in online speech?
   1. Scripture anchor: Ephesians 4:29–32 – Speak to build up.
5. The Sanctification Effect – Are you avoiding hard conversations?
   1. Scripture anchor: John 17:17; Galatians 6:1–2 – Sanctified in truth, restored in love.
6. The Blue Light Effect – Is your phone stealing your rest?
   1. Scripture anchor: Psalm 127:2 – He gives rest to His beloved.
7. The Accountability Effect – Are children spiritually ready for devices?
   1. Scripture anchor: Proverbs 29:25 – Fear of man vs. fear of God.
8. The Migration Effect – Has online community replaced the local church?
   1. Scripture anchor: Acts 2:42–47 – Devoted to real fellowship.
9. The Maturity Effect – Is your mind stuck in short-form content?
   1. Scripture anchor: Psalm 1:2 – Meditate day and night.

4. Common Threads

• Identity in Christ
• The need for presence
• Real-life sanctification through community

Call to Action

To close today’s episode, I want to leave you with two questions and one challenge. Take these to the Lord this week, maybe journal them out, or bring them to your small group or discipleship circle:

1. Which of the nine cyber effects do you recognize most in your own life?
2. What’s one tech habit you could surrender or reshape this week to love God and people more intentionally?

Challenge: Commit to one specific change. Maybe it’s turning your phone off at dinner. Maybe it’s memorizing Psalm 1:2 and practicing biblical meditation instead of scrolling at night. Choose something small, but deliberate—for the glory of God and the good of your soul.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).