What would Jesus post? 

What would Jesus post?

A look at young Latter-day Saints in the digital world

When people hear about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they might first picture missionaries with their name tags engaging passers-by in conversation. Time and time again, European media outlets have explored Church members’ presence online. A survey of a dozen young Latter-day Saints across Europe provides first-hand insights on how they use social platforms – specifically Instagram – and what sets them apart.

Much like in their offline lives, most young Latter-day Saints aim to be an extension of goodness, connection, and positivity online. Their posts may blend in with those of others – highlighting everyday moments – but there is a notable difference in how they use and view social media. This difference is rooted in their core belief in Jesus Christ.

They acknowledge the many benefits of social media, along with its drawbacks. Their ultimate goal, even when using these platforms, is to be “in the world and not of the world” by striving to follow Christ's example and spread goodness.

DOWNLOAD

How to spot a Latter-day Saint on Instagram

Most Latter-day Saints surveyed say they use social media much like anyone else. They stay connected with friends through direct messages, enjoy the entertainment of reels, use it as an escape from daily stresses, and stay updated on others' lives.

Aside from a possible bio hinting at their religious affiliation – like a link to a gospel page, a favourite scripture, or an inspiring quote – they may appear just like anyone else.

What does a Latter-day Saint profile look like?

Based on the responses from the young people interviewed, here’s what you might find on a Latter-day Saint’s profile:

They share lifestyle posts, from everyday moments to the occasional “photo dump,” often through stories or posts to update friends and maintain a personal journal. Hobbies and career-related content are common, including trail running videos, brand advocacy, singing clips, travel adventures, motherhood, managing a business or promoting a brand, cooking, and sharing cultural insights.

Another recurring theme is religious content. Some Latter-day Saints share gospel doctrine and beliefs or simply aim to uplift others with positive messages. While some rarely mention The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, others make it a central part of their social media presence. Esther, a young Latter-day Saint living in Spain, said, “Social media should be a way to fill our bodies with light, [and] a way to spread light.” She referenced a scripture in connection to that (3 Nephi 13:22).

How religion shapes their view of social media

Latter-day Saints believe that every person has the ability to discern truth from falsehood. In a world where reality and AI continue to blur, the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming. Despite this, these young Latter-day Saints feel equipped to recognize the good from the bad and actively seek uplifting media while avoiding content that conflicts with their values.

Esther further explained,  “It (the gospel) influences everything I do. I have to choose to look for things that help me have the Spirit.”

Oliver, a young adult from Austria, likewise shared that he is aware of content that “isn’t normal” for him, though it may be for others. He described how inappropriate or humorous media can distract from more meaningful aspects of life and emphasized the need to stay aware.

Referencing President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency, Saby Montoya de Angus shared in her article Is Social Media Distracting You from What Matters Most?, “Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best.”

Haneia, a Swiss influencer, expressed similar concerns about wasting time online and stressed the importance of being mindful of who influences you. She believes that media regularly consumed can have a lasting impact.

Comparison is a significant issue tied to social media use. Nearly all those surveyed expressed concerns about this struggle. However, they also recognized the positives of social media, which, for many, outweigh the negatives.

Many young Latter-day Saints view social media as a pathway – and even a responsibility – to share goodness. They seek to be genuine online, form real connections, and spread positivity. This often includes using fewer filters, sharing uplifting content, staying connected with loved ones, and being thoughtful about what they post.

A 2024 study published by the National Library of Medicine's PubMed Central¹ surveyed young adults in Italy about their social media use. The study concluded, “The interaction between the values of young people and the values conveyed by the media is indeed a complex and ever-evolving theme […] Instead of focusing on self-promotion or polished and flawless self-representation, young people choose or claim to appreciate authenticity, genuineness, at the expense of false representations […] In this regard, critical media literacy can help develop the ability to evaluate media content based on one’s personal values or to use media for self-representation or content creation in a conscious and responsible manner” (Tirocchi, 2024).

This sentiment is mirrored among the young Latter-day Saints surveyed. While there are both positives and negatives to social media, they prioritize awareness and media literacy to navigate these platforms thoughtfully.

WWJD on Instagram?

W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do?) is a phrase often used among Latter-day Saints to focus on Christ's example.² Survey participants were asked: If Latter-day Saints are striving to be like Jesus, what do you think would He do on Instagram?

“He would focus on the One,” they said, meaning He would reach out to individuals personally, make meaningful connections, and share the gospel with sincerity.

“He would show love and spread light to the world.” They imagined His profile as uplifting, inspiring, loving, happy, positive, inviting, fun, and innovative.

“He would tell His truth.” This doesn't mean avoiding controversy but being honest and genuine. Jesus would live and share the gospel openly, dispelling confusion and using scriptures and teachings to spread His message.

So, can you spot a practicing Latter-day Saint on social media?

Maybe, maybe not. Their profiles might blend in with others, but their influence is evident in the way they uplift, connect, and inspire. In a digital world overflowing with content, perhaps that’s the kind of presence worth noticing.

Isabelle Davis, the author of this article, belongs to the Gen Z generation and is a public relations student at Brigham Young University in the United States.

¹Tirocchi, Simona. “Generation Z, values, and media: from influencers to BeReal, between visibility and authenticity.” Frontiers in sociology vol. 8 1304093. 10 Jan. 2024, doi:10.3389/fsoc.2023.1304093

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10809394/#abstract1

² The editors of “The Religions Book,” first published in Great Britain in 2013 by Dorling Kindersley Limited, selected “Ask yourself: ‘What would Jesus do?’ – Following the example of Christ” as the heading for the chapter about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.