Has the rise of digital spirituality blurred the lines between empowerment and viral trends?

In an era where wisdom is distilled into 15-second reels, spirituality has found itself repackaged, rebranded, and remarkably viral. Swipe through your feed, and you’ll inevitably encounter a kaleidoscope of ancient teachings—be it a serene verse from the Bhagavad Gita, an excerpt from the Quran, or a quick tutorial on yogic breathing. The digital landscape, now brimming with spiritual influencers, is rife with healers urging you to manifest your dreams, protect your aura from the evil eye, and chant affirmations to summon prosperity.

What was once the preserve of temple courtyards, ashrams, and age-worn philosophy books has become a digital feast—fast, flashy, and tailor-made for instant consumption. While this has democratised access to timeless teachings, it begs the question: Are we nourishing our souls with the depth of these traditions or merely snacking on surface-level wisdom for a quick dopamine hit?

As Shruti Varma, a counselling psychologist and executive coach, shares, “The rise of social media has reshaped the way Indian Gen Z approaches spirituality by offering bite-sized servings of spiritual knowledge, making these teachings more accessible and relatable to younger generations. This is a great starting point, as it builds familiarity and can eventually lead to deeper exploration.”

Jasmine Arora, a clinical psychologist, adds, “The digital space has become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, platforms like Instagram and YouTube provide opportunities for young people to explore different spiritual paths. However, the instant gratification they offer may lead to a fragmented approach to spirituality. It’s crucial for Gen Z to move beyond the quick fix and engage with practices that require introspection and deep work.”

For many young people, short, snappy videos make sacred texts and practices seem digestible. Yet, as Varma notes, “The extent to which Indian Gen Z engages deeply with spirituality largely depends on individual readiness and intent.” While some are genuinely drawn to the teachings, for many, spirituality remains a trend—driven by FOMO (fear of missing out) and a desire to be part of a larger, online community.

This dual-edged evolution presents a paradox. On the one hand, digital platforms have democratised access to ancient wisdom, transforming what once seemed esoteric into something relatable and within reach. Yet, on the other hand, this shift risks reducing spirituality to a fleeting commodity—easily consumed, effortlessly marketed, and stripped of its transformative depth. Arora underscores this concern, noting, “The rise of social media spirituality has made practices more visible but, at times, overly performative, with a focus on appearances rather than their profound, life-changing potential.”

Is digital spirituality enhancing mental well-being?

In the fast-paced world that Gen Z inhabits, the quest for mental well-being is ever-present. But does the rise of digital spirituality offer any tangible benefits for emotional stability? Varma explains, “Currently, the digital engagement with spirituality does not seem to significantly improve mental health for most Gen Z individuals. But if practiced right, some virtues, as outlined in the Yamas and Niyamas of the Yoga Sutras—such as ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), and aparigraha (non-greed)—can enhance career success and provide emotional stability.”

Arora concurs, adding, “I’ve seen that some young individuals turn to spirituality as a way to cope with stress or existential confusion. When used mindfully, it can help them find calm and clarity. However, spirituality alone cannot replace therapy or mental health support, especially for deeper psychological issues like trauma or severe anxiety. It’s vital that young people understand the distinction between using spiritual practices for healing and using them as a crutch to avoid underlying emotional difficulties.”

The real power of spiritual teachings comes when they are applied in daily life. Varma adds, “Spiritual practices like breathwork, mindfulness, and intentional thought selection teach actionable skills that can help Gen Z regulate emotions, manage stress, and build resilience.”

 

Escapism or empowerment?

The question then arises: Is this newfound spirituality merely a form of escapism—a digital detour from facing the harsher realities of life? Varma draws attention to a concept that has been gaining traction in psychological circles: spiritual bypassing. This occurs when individuals use spirituality as a means to sidestep emotional wounds, conflicts, or trauma.

Arora echoes this concern, stating, “While spirituality can be empowering, it’s important for individuals to not use it as a way to avoid personal challenges. It can be tempting to focus solely on positive affirmations or guided meditations as a way to avoid processing difficult emotions. True spiritual growth requires embracing both the light and dark aspects of oneself.”

She identifies several tell-tale signs of this phenomenon, including “seeking constant reassurance from spiritual rituals or tools rather than developing internal coping mechanisms” and “chasing transcendence,” where individuals fixate on spiritual highs to avoid real-world challenges. Arora warns, “The commercialisation of spirituality can lead to these unhealthy patterns, turning a deep practice into a mere transaction.”

Yet, there is a way to practice spirituality that transcends these pitfalls. “Grounded practice” is the antidote, she says. This involves consistent, intentional practices like meditation, mindfulness, or yoga that enhance emotional regulation, self-awareness, and clarity. Arora stresses, “Spirituality should be a tool for empowerment, not escapism. It should help you face your challenges, not run away from them. That’s where the true transformative power lies.”

 

Image credits: Pexels 

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