The Five Lies Technology Tells Us—and How to Reject Them
Technology is here to stay. It’s an incredible tool that can shape the world for good—but it can also shape us in ways we don’t even realize. From the youngest child to the most seasoned adult, technology influences how we think, what we expect from life, and how we see ourselves.
Dr. Kathy Koch explains that technology doesn’t just change our habits—it shapes our hearts, minds, and souls.
It’s no wonder that many people today struggle with anxiety, dissatisfaction, and even despair. Why? Because we’ve unknowingly absorbed five lies that technology whispers to us every day. If we don’t recognize these lies, they can reshape our identity, distort our decisions, and lead us away from truth.
Let’s break them down.
Lie #1: "I Am the Center of My Own Universe"
Technology reinforces the idea that everything revolves around us. We curate our photos, ignore calls we don’t feel like answering, and expect instant feedback on social media. This constant personalization can lead us to believe that life should always cater to our desires.
But this mindset is dangerous. It fosters entitlement, pride, and self-centeredness. When children are raised to believe they are the center of their parents’ world, they begin to expect perfection from themselves—and they fear disappointing others.
The Truth:
You were not made to orbit around yourself. Scripture tells us that our identity is rooted in God, not in likes, filters, or self-made perfection. True fulfillment comes from looking outward—serving, loving, and living for something greater than ourselves.
Lie #2: "I Deserve to Be Happy All the Time"
Happiness is a wonderful thing—but when we start believing that we deserve to feel happy 24/7, we make terrible choices.
Technology trains us to chase easy pleasure. When we’re bored, we scroll. When we’re stressed, we binge-watch. If something makes us uncomfortable, we block, unfollow, or delete. But real life doesn’t work like that.
The Truth:
Hard things shape us. Growth requires discomfort, discipline, and endurance. Jesus never promised constant happiness—He promised abundant life
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."– John 10:10 (NIV)
But abundance isn’t found in avoiding pain—it’s found in walking through it with God, in truth, and with purpose.
Lie #3: "I Must Have Unlimited Choice"
We live in a world of endless options. Thousands of movies, infinite products, hundreds of cereal brands—technology has conditioned us to believe that we should always have choices.
But too many choices make us unsatisfied and restless. When children expect constant options, they struggle with contentment and gratitude. They complain, argue, and search for something “better” rather than appreciating what they already have.
The Truth:
Choice is a privilege, not a right. Scripture calls us to contentment and trust in God’s provision. Learning to appreciate what we have—not constantly demanding more—leads to true joy and peace.
Lie #4: "I Am My Own Authority"
Technology gives us the illusion of control. If we need an answer, we don’t ask a parent, teacher, or mentor—we ask Google or Siri. This constant access to information makes us feel like we don’t need guidance or wisdom.
Many young people reject authority altogether—not because they are rebellious, but because they’ve been conditioned to believe they don’t need it. If authority figures have failed them (in families, churches, or government), they assume they are better off leading themselves.
The Truth:
We are not our own authority—God is.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”– Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
Wisdom isn’t found in search engines—it’s found in seeking truth, listening to wise counsel, and submitting to God’s leadership.
Lie #5: "Information Is All I Need"
With unlimited knowledge at our fingertips, many people believe that information is enough—they don’t need teachers, mentors, or spiritual guidance.
But knowledge without wisdom is empty. Technology can give facts, but it can’t give meaning, purpose, or direction.
The Truth:
We were created for deep wisdom, not shallow data. Proverbs reminds us that wisdom is something we seek, dig for, and work to obtain.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.”– James 1:5 (NIV)
Trusting Him, Shaping Me, Restoring Us
These five lies are everywhere, but we don’t have to believe them. By recognizing their influence, we can choose to live differently.
Trust in God's Design:
You were made for more than self-focus and shallow satisfaction. You were created to love, serve, and find your purpose in God, not in technology.
Be Shaped by Christ:
Let Jesus define who you are, how you live, and what you pursue—not social media, not influencers, not entertainment.
Participate in Restoration:
Our world is filled with lost, confused, and anxious people who have bought into these lies. Be a light. Show them what is true.
Practical Steps to Reject These Lies
📌 Model Healthy Technology Use – Be intentional with your screen time and set the example for your kids and community.
📌 Encourage Gratitude and Contentment – Teach your family to appreciate what they have rather than always seeking something new.
📌 Prioritize Real-Life Relationships – Put down the phone. Make eye contact. Have deep conversations. Technology should never replace human connection.
📌 Seek Wisdom Over Information – Instead of relying on Google for life’s big questions, turn to Scripture, prayer, and wise mentors.
📌 Submit to God’s Authority – Challenge yourself and your family to trust God’s wisdom instead of making decisions based on personal desires.
The Abundant Life Starts Now
Jesus didn’t die so that we could have an abundant scrolling experience—He died so we could have an abundant life (John 10:10).
Technology isn’t bad, but it’s a poor substitute for truth, wisdom, and real joy. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Don’t believe the lies. Live in truth, wisdom, and purpose—the way you were designed to live.
Want to dig deeper into what it means to live in God’s truth? Explore IdentityProject.tv for more resources on navigating culture, technology, and faith in a way that leads to true flourishing.