Social Media Pressure helps show why social media can leave you feeling sad, anxious, and depressed and points to practical ways of turning to Jesus for rest and wholeness. Statistics show that we (especially teens) spend most of our waking hours on screens, without a lot of direction on managing our online life. In this devotional, John Perritt, a longtime youth pastor, will guide you in making sure that your relationship with God remains at the center of your life without letting your phone take over. The devotionals address social media pressures including the fear of missing out, comparing yourself with others, being bullied, and even being addicted. They will help you interact with social media in a way that is sensible, smart, and even biblical, while at the same time finding the peace that comes with walking alongside Jesus. Social Media Pressure is the second book in the Devotions for Teenagers series. Helps uncover the underlying reasons for the pressures experienced by interacting online. - Each devotional includes an “Alongside Practice” that encourages specific, healthy habits that will bring peace in daily life. - Encourages conversations with trusted adults, aka “Alongsiders,” to read, discuss, and pray about the truths of each devotion with you. “My goodness, this book is important! What John accomplishes here is so vital not only for the young—but for all of us. Here is a word of peace over the chaos of social media. And boy do we need it. This is a much-needed book in a world that is fragmenting.” A.J. Swoboda, Associate professor of Bible, Theology, and World Christianity, Bushnell University; author of After Doubt and Subversive Sabbath “I write about Christians and our relationship with social media, and I have to say this book handles the topic of social media and youth very well. But what I love most about this book is John’s heart. John cares for students and wants them to thrive in a relationship with Jesus, and that is evident in this book.” Chris Martin, Author of Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media and The Wolf in Their Pocket ; content marketing editor, Moody Publishers; social media and communications consultant “This clear-eyed, compelling, and challenging devotional is perfect for teens or young adults (as well as their parents or youth leaders) who are serious about following Jesus in a digital age. John Perritt leads readers to examine their habits, identify their sin, and begin to interact with social media in a healthy, purposeful way. This would work well for individual devotions but even better as a study for youth groups or campus ministries to do together.” Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra , Senior Writer, The Gospel Coalition; coauthor of Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age; editor of Social Sanity in an Insta World “As filmmakers, we are passionate about using storytelling as a teaching medium. When reading Social Media Pressure, we were struck by Perritt’s ability to use compelling stories in every chapter of this book to help teens walk through the impact of technology in their lives. This book is an absolute recommend.” Jacob Valk and John-Michael Bout, Directors of the Into the Light documentary "This little book is a rich and accessible resource for teenagers (and the rest of us) to dig deep into the ways that our use of social media is shaping our view of the world and encourages us to live a life of devotion to God in our digital age. John goes beyond trite platitudes of merely reining in screen time and helps to expose the motivations that drive our sometimes-compulsive use of our phones. It is full of both biblical truth and practical wisdom with engaging questions and ample space for honest reflection." Jason Thacker, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Ethics, Boyce College, Louisville, KY; author of Following Jesus in a Digital Age and A Student's Guide to Social Media “ Social Media Pressure is convicting and practical. Perritt opens God's Word for teens (and adults!) and shows us what social media habits teach about our hearts. I love the practice sections in each devotional that give wise counsel for building new smartphone habits.” Jared Kennedy, Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author of The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible and Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission “Complicated relationship with your phone? John gets it. Here he welcomes us to a safe place to ponder it with Jesus. His stories help us feel seen, and the Scripture passages and songs help us feel known by our Creator. The simple, creative experiments invite us to try something new each week toward healing our phone anxieties.” Tasha Chapman, Professor of Educational Ministries, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis. MO; coauthor of The Politics of Ministry and Resilient Ministry ; contributor to the ESV Women’s Devotional Bible (Crossway, 2014). “ Social Media Pressure opened my heart and eyes . . . to mysel