Monitoring Spirits: Why I’m Thinking About Leaving Instagram
Recognizing the unseen battles of social media and choosing faith over performance.
Have you ever posted something on Instagram, only to feel an unsettling awareness that someone is watching—not with support, but with a quiet, critical eye? It’s not paranoia, and it’s not overthinking. For me, it feels deeper than that, and lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to steward my digital presence well.
What Are Monitoring Spirits?
In spiritual terms, monitoring spirits are unseen forces sent to observe and interfere with someone’s life, often working through people who are watching but not for good reasons. These spirits operate through jealousy, gossip, or ill intent, using those who may scroll, screenshot, or silently lurk.
Now, let me be clear: this isn’t to demonize people. Sometimes, they’re unaware of the spirit operating behind their actions. But the Bible reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our real battle isn’t against flesh and blood—it’s against spiritual powers.
And Instagram? It feels like fertile ground for these influences.
The Weight of Being Watched
I’ve noticed a pattern on social media. People who never engage with your posts—no likes, no comments, no encouragement—are still watching. They might be the first to view your Stories or quietly aware of every move you make online.
At first, I brushed it off. Maybe they’re just shy. Maybe they don’t know what to say. But over time, I realized how heavy this silent observation can feel, especially when it carries an energy of judgment, comparison, or even malice.
As someone who values authenticity, this makes Instagram feel less like a tool for connection and more like a window into my life that I’m not sure I want to leave open anymore.
Why This Matters Spiritually
For Christians, discernment is key. Social media is a platform, but it’s also a battleground. Every post, every story, and every moment shared becomes an opportunity for connection—or contention.
I’ve prayed about this a lot, asking God for wisdom. Is Instagram serving the purpose He’s called me to, or is it becoming a distraction? Is it fostering connection, or is it inviting monitoring spirits to take up space in my life?
Here’s what I’ve felt pressed on my heart:
Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts, for everything flows from it. Social media can be a source of encouragement or a breeding ground for spiritual interference.
Boundaries Are Biblical: Jesus Himself withdrew to quiet places to pray and reset. Sometimes, stepping back isn’t quitting—it’s obedience.
Discern Who’s Watching: Not everyone who watches is cheering for you, and that’s okay. But we need to stay spiritually alert and prayerful about what we allow into our lives.
The Choice to Step Away
Right now, I’m seriously considering leaving Instagram altogether. Not out of fear, but out of faith.
Now this isn’t to say there aren’t people who monitor you on other social media platforms, like Facebook or even Substack. Me moving to another platform has more to do with intentionality and having a better pulse on who is consuming my content.
I’m not interested in curating a highlight reel or performing for an audience that may not even have my best interests at heart. My priority is staying aligned with God’s will for my life, and if that means closing this chapter on social media, so be it.
Stepping away isn’t about running from something—it’s about running toward what God is calling me to. And honestly? I believe He’s calling me to deeper, more intentional connections.
An Invitation to Reflect
I share this not to stir fear or suspicion, but to encourage reflection. What’s your relationship with social media right now? Is it feeding your soul, or draining it? Are you creating from a place of freedom, or monitoring who’s watching from the shadows?
If you’re feeling uneasy about the presence of monitoring spirits or the weight of silent observers, take it to God. Pray for discernment, ask Him to reveal what you need to see, and trust Him to guide your next steps.
A Community Beyond Social Media
If I do leave Instagram, this Substack will become my main home for sharing thoughts, reflections, and encouragement. Here, I want to create a space free from performance, where connection is genuine and the only eyes we care about are God’s.
If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me on this journey. Let’s talk openly about the spiritual battles we face, encourage each other in faith, and grow together in grace and freedom.
What’s your experience with social media and monitoring spirits? Reply to this post—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
With love and discernment,
Jessica
There has always been a love hate relationship with IG for me. There have been many times that I've left IG for a year but then came back because I felt I was "missing out" on something. IG was fun in my younger years but I also know that it fueled the comparison I battled with and needed deliverance from. I also realized the obscene amount of content that I consume from IG filled the space where God is supposed to filled my needs.
I'm with you on stepping away. There are so many moments I don't share on IG just because I didn't want to share it with the world, only with those I knew loved and cared for me. This is something I'll continue to pray and meditate about.