Liberty University is challenging students to a month-long "Digital Rest Initiative," encouraging them to unplug from pervasive technology and reconnect with their faith, revealing profound benefits for mental clarity and spiritual...



Living in the digital age has its perks. We have access to news, social media, family, and friends 24/7, 365 days a year. Especially for today’s Gen Z, they’ve grown up with technology at their fingertips.

The school consists of Chromebooks, digital learning, and SmartBoards. Hanging out looks like FaceTime calls and group texts, even if you’re with them in person. Even daydreaming and creating have been recreated and defined by AI. And yet, some students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA are learning to get away from the noise and get alone with God.

After coming to the conclusion that technology has become an overwhelming, all-consuming God of distraction, the school recently encouraged students to log off for the entire month of February. Unplugging from socials, entertainment, Amazon, and other online shopping sources, the idea stems from the school’s second annual “Digital Rest Initiative.” This initiative encourages students to go deeper with the Lord rather than doomscrolling for hours.

Isaiah Varella, a senior at Liberty, explains that taking a break from the constant connectivity and notifications has made a world of difference. "I am constantly getting notifications from, if it's Instagram, social media, Facebook, text, emails, and so it's definitely hard during the day when you're trying to focus.”

Josh Rutledge, Vice President of Spiritual Development at Liberty, explains that this phenomenon Varella is describing is a picture of smartphones’ hold on students, thus causing a national rise of mental health issues around the world.

“I don't want students to be depressed and anxious," said Rutledge. "I want them to know the abundant life that God has for them, and if they allow the phone to dictate the terms of reality for them, then they're going to end up anxious."

According to Barna Research, 39% of these Gen Z students frequently feel uncertain and anxious about decisions, and 85% believe they spend too much time online. Reframing this digital fast isn’t anti-technology, but a better awareness of boundaries.

The point isn’t to swear off technology altogether, but to identify, “Who is the master of it? Who's in control? Do you have control of the phone, and do you use it as a tool for your benefit, or does it have control of you?”

Besides encouraging this February fast, the university also purchased 300 digital Bricks to block social media access on smartphones. These blockers have been placed in residence halls for student use. Since replacing technology time with time with the Lord, students are coming out of the woodwork to share their progress:

"Your mind isn't spinning quite as fast as it was before," said Isaac Kantola, a senior theology student.

"My time in the morning with the Lord is a lot more focused," added Varella. "I'm not focusing on distractions. I've been really focusing on more of just being quiet and listening for the Lord."

Source