The Newsroom Blog

Otago University Student Accepts a Challenge to Take a Break from Social Media

Talmage Lawrence, from Brisbane, Australia is currently studying Health Science at Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Talmage is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For two years he served as a missionary in Utah, USA.

While in Utah, he volunteered his time to serve those around him and in the community, as well as teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

           

He has learned through his life experiences and especially his service in Utah that using spare time wisely is key in achieving his goals.

Recently he read a talk by Russell M. Nelson—president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—where he challenged the youth of the Church to try a seven-day fast from social media.

“That really piqued my interest and I decided to take the challenge,” said Talmage.

In the process he discovered some significant changes in his life.

“My mind was free and open, and I found worthwhile activities to fill my time. I talked more with my family, spent more time studying my scriptures and became regular at recording my daily experiences in my journal.”

He added, “I had the time to think about life and ponder my future and things I can improve on. I really enjoyed the experience of the challenge. I found that most of the posts on Facebook were of little importance to me.”

Watch a video by Mormon Newsroom Pacific contributor, Madison Houghton, of Talmage talking about his experience.

            

Mormons believe that social media can be a powerful influence for good when it is used to edify and uplift.

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