The Group Chat Effect

“Don’t compare your real life to someone else’s highlight reel online.”

We all love a good group chat — the memes, the updates, the quick “praying for you” text. But today we’re asking: is online friendship really enough? Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about the difference between online connections and real-life friendships, why we can feel so connected and yet lonelier than ever, and how Jesus calls us into community that goes deeper than likes and shares.

Pull up a chair, pour some coffee, and let’s talk about how to balance the fun of group chats with the soul-deep need for face-to-face friendship.

3 Takeaways

1. Online friendships are great supplements, but they can’t replace the depth of real-life relationships.
2. What we post online is only a slice of the story — true connection happens when people can see the tears behind the smile.
3. Social media will never fill the need for love and belonging that only Jesus can meet.

This week, reach out to one friend in real life. Grab coffee, take a walk, or just sit across the table together. Notice how your heart feels different than when you connect online.

Want to go deeper?