Let me ask you something: Have you ever thought, “I’ll just fast social media for a few days to get closer to God”?

I know this might sound bold, but hear me out—if that’s your plan, you might be wasting your time. By the end of this post, you’ll understand why fasting social media isn’t the same as biblical fasting and what you should do instead to see real spiritual results.

What Is Biblical Fasting?

Let’s start with the foundation: Biblical fasting is abstaining from food—period.

Take Matthew 4:2 as an example. When Jesus fasted for 40 days, Scripture says, “He was hungry.” It doesn’t say He gave up hobbies or disconnected from social interaction. Jesus abstained from food, just as every example of fasting in the Bible involves food.

This is important because while social media can be a distraction, it’s not what the Bible describes as fasting. Social media breaks might clear your head a little, but they don’t weaken the flesh in the way fasting food does.

Social Media Didn’t Create the Flesh Problem

Here’s another thing to consider—social media isn’t the real issue.

Long before Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook existed, people were still struggling with their flesh. Overeating, laziness, anger, distraction—these things have always been around. They’re not caused by social media; they’re symptoms of an undisciplined life.

Fasting targets the root of the problem: your flesh. It’s not about giving up conveniences; it’s about putting your flesh in its proper place so your spirit can grow stronger.

What Does Fasting Accomplish?

When you fast biblically, the results are supernatural. Look at these examples:

• Esther fasted and saved her people from annihilation (Esther 4:16).

• Daniel fasted and received visions from God (Daniel 10:2-3).

• Jesus fasted before launching His public ministry, and miracles followed (Matthew 4).

Notice the pattern? None of these breakthroughs came from simply cutting out distractions. It was fasting from food and devoting themselves to prayer that brought results.

Does That Mean You Can’t Fast Social Media?

Now, I’m not saying cutting out social media is bad. In fact, if you’re fasting, it’s a great idea to limit distractions like social media to help you stay focused. But hear me—taking a break from Instagram is a supplement, not a substitute.

Fasting is about denying your flesh the basic necessity of food and dedicating that time to God in prayer and His Word. Social media detoxes might be helpful, but they won’t transform your spirit.

If you’re feeling spiritually stuck or desperate for a breakthrough, fasting food—not just social media—is the key to seeing real change.

How to Start Fasting Biblically

If you’re ready to take fasting seriously, I’ve created a FREE Fasting Starter Kit to help you get started. It includes prayer points, Scriptures, and tips to keep you on track during your fast. You can download it by clicking the link in the description.

And if you want to go even deeper, my book, A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting, will equip you with everything you need to fast effectively and see powerful results.

Final Thoughts

Fasting isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about pursuing God with intentionality. While fasting social media might make you feel more focused, biblical fasting involves food and targets the root issue: the flesh.

If you’re believing God for breakthrough, don’t settle for less. Fast the way the Bible teaches, and you’ll see the supernatural results that only come through fasting and prayer.