POTSDAM, Germany — In a small cinema in Germany, an audience of 80 guests—parents, friends, and neighbors—gathered on a Saturday morning to watch a short film created by a group of youth and to discuss a theme that deeply resonates with young people today: the impact of social media on genuine friendship.

In a conversation with the Bahá’í World News Service, Sophie Abdulkarim-Hoerster, who facilitates the group, said: “The youth were deeply conscious of how social media affects their relationships. They wanted to explore this theme through film to help other young people recognize the difference between friendships and online connections.”

Rather than only discussing their concerns about social media, the youth chose to engage with these questions in an artistic medium, allowing them to explore and express their insights through visual storytelling in a way that could resonate deeply with their peers.

Several participants of the group shared their reflections with the News Service, with one saying: “Through our film project, I learned that when you’re constantly using your phone, you miss opportunities to truly take part in life. You miss out on meaningful experiences and building real connections with others.”

The film project emerged from the discussions of a youth group engaged in Bahá’í moral educational programs that develop young people’s capacity to examine social forces in light of moral and spiritual principles. By exploring principles such as the nobility of human beings, the equality of women and men, and justice, participants develop their capabilities for service to their communities. Working in collaboration with a local youth media organization, the group was able to translate their ideas into a compelling short film.

Sophie explained that through this process of spiritual and moral development, the group has been learning to engage with technology thoughtfully rather than either rejecting or uncritically embracing it. “The participants are discovering how to foster meaningful relationships while applying digital technologies toward purposes that align with their higher aspirations for individual growth and community well-being,” she said.

Examining digital life through a spiritual lens

Reflecting on the Bahá’í principle of harmony between science and religion, Sophie emphasized that when technology is guided by spiritual principles and aligned with the higher aspirations of humanity, it can become a powerful tool for advancing civilization.

“Technology and digital media can either distract from or enhance humanity’s spiritual and material development,” said Sophie. “They can inflate irrelevant distractions and make them desirable, but their conscious use can also strengthen and support efforts to serve society.”

As the youth reflected on their relationship with technology, Sophie observed a growing awareness among them about the values embedded within these tools that draw them in. “The youth have come to realize that the way they are using their phones is not healthy, yet they struggle to resist the attraction,” she said.

She explained that this struggle highlights a larger challenge faced by many today—how to engage with technology in a way that nurtures, rather than undermines, human well-being.

For the participants, the project reinforced the importance of moderation and consciousness in their use of technology. During their regular youth group gatherings, for example, they often choose to set aside their phones to be fully present with one another.

Fostering strong bonds of relationship

Sophie noted that while young people naturally seek a sense of belonging, navigating relationships in online media presents unique challenges.

“Many young people are in close contact with a large group of peers through social media,” she said, “leading to a high quantity but low quality of interaction.”

It was this reality that inspired the group to explore what genuine friendship could look like.

The film depicts young people’s experience of being absorbed in social media and then discovering the joy of friendship through meaningful interactions that arise when they come together with the common purpose to serve their community.

“In our youth group, I learned to differentiate between true friends and negative influences,” said another participant. “Through studying together and serving our community, we discover common interests and aspirations. That’s how real friendships develop.”

Another young person said, “Phones and social media often give us the feeling that we are happy and have many friends, but this feeling isn’t real. Nothing can truly replace real friends in life. In our group, we learn what true friendship means and what really brings us joy in life.”

Through their creative exploration of these themes, profound insights emerged about authentic connection. “When we gather to study and serve together, we discover shared thoughts and aspirations—that’s how genuine friendships develop in our group.” The youth also found themselves better equipped to navigate social pressures. “We’ve learned to think critically about online messages,” another youth reflected. “We’ve discovered that true friendship isn’t about following trends or maintaining a certain image—it’s about supporting each other’s growth and working together to contribute to our community.”