Our devices demand so much from us on a daily basis, prompting us into a life of perpetual performance whether we recognize it or not. And as a result of the tumultuous sea of notifications and alerts that constantly require our mental space and publicly-appropriate responses, we can find ourselves sorely disconnected from ourselves, from others, and from God.

In this episode, host Jay Y. Kim welcomes the wisdom of Dr. Felicia Wu Song, the author of Restless Devices and a cultural sociologist. Together they delve into the ways that social media and other digital platforms push us toward both a self-centeredness as well as an outsized concern for how others might view us. In contrast, Dr. Song encourages us to implement practices in our lives that help us pursue and experience the benefits of healthy self-forgetfulness.

Tune in to learn the importance of creating spaces of stillness, cultivating self-awareness, and carving out opportunities to allow God's gentle voice to care for us.

Download a reflective guide to The Examen.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• The effects of performative digital identities on mental well-being
• Strategies for creating tech-free spaces for inward reflection and connection with God
• The necessity of being truly present with ourselves and others in a digitally-distracted age

Links from this episode:

• Learn more about Felicia Wu Song
• Read Restless Devices by Felicia Wu Song
• Visit Dr. Song’s website
• Read the transcript here

The world is full of noise. Many are exhausted by the cacophony and chaos of the modern, digital age, where peace is scarce and self-reflection is infrequent. In “The Digital Examen”, a new podcast from IVP, author and pastor Jay Y. Kim converses with a variety of leaders, pastors, and scholars who are working to reorient their lives in the direction of listening, tuning their hearts and minds to hear the voice of God in all of its clarity, kindness, and strength.

Learn more about your host, Jay Y. Kim

Read Analog Church and Analog Christian by Jay Y. Kim

Links and Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble

✅ Production Assistants: Christine Pelliccio and Isis Toldson

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "For They Will Inherit the Earth" by Stephen Keech

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.