Loved beyond likes: Aging, Social Media, and Christian Identity

As social media has amplified the emphasis on youthfulness and appearance, one can notice a trend among many over 50: the need to present oneself as youthful and vibrant. There is a niche of videos and photos of older individuals showcasing energy and youthfulness, often with a caption whose message is akin to  "I may be over (x age), but I'm looking younger and great." The need to be seen as relevant and attractive in a culture that often celebrates youth and the craving for likes, comments and shares lead to a flurry of before-and-after photos, the effectiveness of skincare routines, exercise, plastic surgery, energetic activities or rejuvenating fitness regimens, and so on.

This tendency may originate in deeply human desires: to feel relevant, loved, and included in a culture that often sidelines the what is not considered "young" and "new" anymore. While understandable, this phenomenon may be dangerous to Christian faith and invites Christians to a reflection about identity, worth and purpose. Social media can be a constant source of temptation for us to prioritize external validation over the essence of a life lived before God.

It matters then, where our true worth lie and how our lives—both online and off—can reflect our identity in Christ.

 Identity and Worth

The desire to be seen as youthful and relevant is not inherently wrong. Humans are relational beings, created by God to exist in community, and it is natural to seek connection and validation. However, the underlying question remains: where do we root our identity? In the eyes of others, or in the love of Christ?

The human need for affirmation and relevance intensifies as people age, especially in a culture that prioritizes youth over experience. Social media can generate feelings of inadequacy by creating an endless comparison loop: we measure ourselves against curated images of success, beauty, and vitality. For those over 50, this can lead to a frantic effort to prove they “still have it,” laying grip on external markers of worth that are fleeting at best.

From a theological perspective, Scripture speaks clearly to where our worth is found. Isaiah 43:1 reminds us, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Our identity as redeemed children of God is secure—not because of what we do or how we appear, but because of what Christ has done for us. Efforts to secure worth through worldly measures can only leave us empty, for they fail to address the deeper longing of the human soul: to be known and loved unconditionally.

When we base our sense of self on external affirmation, we risk building our lives on shifting sand, as opposed to the rock of Jesus' Word and Promises (Luke 7). They assure us that His loved is based not on youth, appearances and achievements, but on His unchanging grace.

Eternal Youth and the Fear of Aging

Beneath the trend of portraying perpetual youth often lies a deeper fear: the fear of aging, decline, and mortality. Culturally, aging is seen not as a stage of life to embrace but as a problem to solve or delay. The beauty industry, fitness culture, and social media all profit from this anxiety, promoting the idea that age can be minimized or conquered with the right products, procedures, or lifestyle. Not to mention the right filter and camera angle. This fear finds its roots in a certain existential insecurity, as aging confronts us with the reality of our mortality and the passing of time. This can lead to feelings of loss, insignificance, and even despair. In response, clinging to youthful appearances and pursuits shines forth as a possibility of dodging time and decay - which is an ultimately futile efforts to halt the inevitable.

Adding to that, we live in an age where death is pushed to the margins of conversation, while sexuality is a daily topic, openly and unapologetically explored. In such a culture, signs of aging are seen as unwelcome reminders of mortality—something to be minimized, concealed, or dismissed. Meanwhile, the celebration of physical vitality, fitness, and attractiveness takes centre stage, shaping the public conversation and its values. In this worldview, aging—an unavoidable marker of our mortality—is treated as something to mask or deny. 

Yet, the Christian perspective offers a counter-narrative: that aging reflects the wisdom and grace of a life lived under God’s care. Rather than fearing it, we are called to see it through the lens of Christ’s victory over death. Aging, when viewed through the cross, is not a descent into irrelevance but a journey toward the fullness of life in Christ. Instead of resisting the marks of aging, we could see them as testimonies of God’s sustaining grace. Winkles and gray hairs may be reminders not of loss but of the wisdom, experiences, and relationships He has given us. The Bible doesn't loath, but praises age and wisdom. For example, Proverbs 16:31,“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” and Job 12:12, “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”

Social Media, Authenticity, and Witness

Social media offers a unique platform to share our lives and connect with others. For Christians, it can be a tool to bear witness to God’s goodness and grace. Yet, the pressure to shape an idealized image often leads to the loss of authenticity and consequent weakening of a true Christian witness. We may feel compelled to present a life where flaws, struggles, or signs of aging are hidden beneath the filters of happiness and constant motivation, creating a digital facade that can be both exhausting and spiritually harmful.

The constant need to maintain an idealized image can lead to anxiety, depression, and even burnout. To foster a culture of comparison is to leave people feeling inadequate and isolated, even as they project an image of joy and confidence. For Christians, the critical question is always about if we using our online presence to glorify God and serve others, or to glorify ourselves. Life of faith in Christ presents a kind of authenticity that embraces both the beauty and brokenness. In Him, we are free to live honestly, acknowledging our weaknesses and struggles as opportunities for His strength to shine through. 

In Christ, however, the concept of newness is transformed. Revelation 21:5 declares, “Behold, I am making all things new.” The renewal we long for is not cosmetic or superficial; it is the deep, eternal renewal of our hearts and lives through the work of the Holy Spirit. For Christians, this renewal begins in baptism, where we are made new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). It continues through daily repentance and faith, as we are conformed to His image. While our outer bodies may age and fade, our inner selves are continually renewed by His grace.

Aging as a gift?

Can age be not merely a reality to accept but a gift to embrace?  Humanly speaking, the answer to this question may not be easy. However, it leads us to reflect on the fact that each stage of life brings unique opportunities to glorify God and serve others. Aging can be a season of sharing the wisdom and faithfulness gained through years of walking with Christ. Psalm 71:18 expresses this truth,“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” It is an opportunity to witness a life rooted in the hope in Jesus. Relevance through appearance can be replaced by relevance in faithfulness. Especially when we know that God's promises don't stop being valid at the age of 49. “Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”(Isaiah 46:4)

The trend of striving for perpetual youth reflects deep human longings related to connection, worth, and renewal. While these desires are not wrong, they find full meaning and fulfillment in Christ. He offers us a love that does not fade, a hope that does not disappoint, and a life that will never end. To those aging, navigating these pressures, the Gospel offers freedom - liberty from the exhausting need to look differently, diving in the privilege  of living faithfully and joyfully in His grace.A life where we know we are loved beyond likes.

With all the filters and AI resources we have, we may be able to retain youthfulness for and indefinite amount of time. However, what really matters is what lasts forever. As 2 Corinthians 4:16 reminds us, "Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." We walk in Jesus with and identity shaped by the ageless content of His Word that gives us worth, purpose and value.

Even when nobody is looking.