PASTORAL CARE RESPONSE TO SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION IN CHRISTIAN HOMES

This paper examines the pastoral care response to social media addiction in Christian homes. It acknowledges that information technology and social media have significantly improved communication, interaction, information sharing, and relationships across geographical boundaries. However, excessive and uncontrolled use of social media can develop into addictive behaviour and negatively affect family life. The paper explores the nature and forms of social media, its biblical perspective, and its effects on Christian family relationships. The identified effects include neglect of family responsibilities, communication breakdown, invasion of privacy, marital unfaithfulness, unrealistic comparisons and expectations, weakened parent-child bonding, and negative effects on mental and emotional well-being. The paper further emphasises that social media addiction can weaken the quality of interpersonal relationships and reduce meaningful face-to-face interaction within the Christian home. In response, pastoral care is presented as an important intervention for individuals and families affected by social media addiction. Recommended strategies include establishing healthy boundaries, leading by example, promoting digital well-being, and applying the healing, sustaining, and educating functions of pastoral care. The paper concludes that social media should be used responsibly and purposefully. At the same time, families and churches should work together to promote healthy digital habits, strengthen family relationships, and preserve Christian values in the contemporary digital environment.