I always wonder—if someone isn’t raised with religion, what becomes their guiding belief system? The answer seems clear: social media. How unsettling is that to consider? If a child isn’t raised with any formal structure for learning morals and ethics, the primary influences left are parents, schools, social spheres, and the ever-present cell phone. These factors shape nearly every aspect of a child’s development, making them the de facto sources of guidance. But are they enough? Let’s break them down one by one. The Role of Parents Parents should be the primary moral and ethical guides in a child’s life. But in today’s world, many parents are working full-time jobs—sometimes multiple jobs—just to get by. With such demanding schedules, how much time remains to actively shape their children’s values? In many cases, parents are left to entrust others with this responsibility, hoping their children find positive mentors along the way. So where does that leadership come from? Schools? Friends? The cell phone? The Limitations of the School System Modern school systems are largely prohibited from teaching morals and ethics in a structured way. And even if they weren’t, could we reasonably expect teachers—who are often underpaid, overworked, and responsible for dozens of students at a time—to fill the leadership void? Education is essential, but it is not a replacement for moral guidance at home. The Influence of Peer Groups Without strong leadership from parents or schools, children often look to their peers for guidance. But what happens when those peers are equally lost? Without a foundation in ethics or critical thinking, social circles can become echo chambers of confusion, impulsivity, and misplaced values. And what do most of these kids have in common? A cell phone. The Power—and Peril—of the Cell Phone The cell phone is both the greatest tool and the greatest threat in the wrong hands. It provides unlimited access to information, yet without a moral compass to navigate it, children can easily fall victim to deception, manipulation, and distorted realities. I truly believe that children who grow up without meaningful leadership often become casualties of what I call “social media religion.” Without a framework for truth and ethics, how can they possibly filter through the endless stream of content with purpose and meaning? How can they distinguish between reality and the curated illusions presented to them? The Rise of the Influencer Ideology Many young people today are being raised on the false promises of social media—the illusion that success comes not from effort, skill, or character, but from visibility. They see influencers who appear to live effortless, glamorous lives and begin to believe that if they, too, manufacture the right online persona, they can achieve the same. But what is this really? It’s a cycle of deception. Many so-called influencers spend their entire lives creating an illusion, selling an unattainable dream to their audience. Some go even further—preying on the insecurities of others, selling courses, memberships, and lifestyle “secrets” that are nothing more than smoke and mirrors. This isn’t just a dangerous trend; it’s become a widespread belief system. And in many ways, it mirrors what traditional religions once provided—except instead of community, accountability, and moral teachings, it offers vanity, materialism, and self-obsession. The Consequences of This New Religion The result? A society where people are more disconnected than ever. Where truth is subjective, and everything is about perception rather than reality. Families grow distant, communities weaken, and individuals prioritize personal gain over collective well-being. This isn’t sustainable. A world without shared values, without genuine human connection, without responsibility—it’s not just unfulfilling, it’s self-destructive. The Path Forward: Taking Ownership While this reality may seem bleak, we are not powerless. If we recognize the problem, we can begin to counteract it. • Parents must reclaim their role as primary mentors. It’s not enough to hope that schools, friends, or the internet will provide guidance. Active, intentional parenting is crucial. • We must foster real-world communities. Whether through extended family, local organizations, or mentorship programs, children need exposure to role models who can demonstrate responsibility, integrity, and resilience. • Digital boundaries must be established. Social media is not inherently evil, but its influence must be tempered with critical thinking and real-life engagement. Teaching children to question, analyze, and set limits on their online consumption is essential. • We must lead by example. Every day presents an opportunity to positively influence those around us. If we don’t take ownership of the values we pass down, we leave the next generation at the mercy of an empty, manipulative digital world. We don’t have to accept a future where social media replaces meaningful belief systems. By looking to the past, learning from it, and applying those lessons today, we can shape a better tomorrow. Now is the time for individuals to step up. To take responsibility. To lead.