A Christian perspective on the new Twitter / X adult content policy changes
Navigating Twitter as a Christian. What do I do about the new adult content policy changes?
I loved Twitter / X
Twitter has been a really fun place for me. I made many great friends in the faith and tech space on Twitter. It’s a great place to share what you’re learning and bond over similar topics, my favorite being the intersection faith and tech. I enjoy seeing what amazing apps people are building and being able to share their works.
For example, Paul Kim, created a simple and beautiful Bible Reading Log tracker and shared the progress with us as he built it.
Tweets like Paul’s show me how fun it can be to have digital community and like-minded friends. It’s a blessing to have a tool like Twitter to be able to easily find and connect with Christians in tech.
However, there was a recent change…
In May 2024, there was a policy change on adult content, making it acceptable to share adult content.
Yes, adult content.
You may share consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behavior, provided it's properly labeled and not prominently displayed.
Given, it does say that…
Doing so places all your images and videos behind a content warning that needs to be acknowledged before your media can be viewed.
However, that’s just one single tap away from being caught up in content that can be tempting to many and harmful to everyone.
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people."
Ephesians 5:3 NIV
This verse isn’t to make anyone feel shame. It’s saying that as a follower of Jesus you are part of God’s holy people, set apart and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. That purity is freedom. Don’t let a hint of sexual immorality try to take your freedom in Christ.
So, with these recent Twitter policy changes, what should we do as Christians? This doesn’t mean that every Christian should hop off Twitter today. We need the light of Jesus to shine in places like Twitter. However, the approach of doing that might need to look different.
Here are ways to stay safe on Twitter
Consider deleting Twitter
Be honest with yourself.
If you’re susceptible to temptation from adult content on Twitter, then just cut the temptation out entirely and delete the app. Even consider deleting your account, if so. Run from temptation and do not flirt with it.
Even if you think you’re strong, there are always moments of weakness and temptation. So, please be honest with yourself. If Twitter is a stumbling block, it’s okay and admirable to delete it in order to live a holy lifestyle.
Update your Twitter Settings
There are some built-in settings that allow you to have a safer and better experience when using Twitter. Here are a couple.
Uncheck Settings > Privacy and safety > Display media that may contain sensitive content
Check the box in Settings > Privacy and safety > Search settings > Hide sensitive content.
Get accountability software on your devices
Tools like Covenant Eyes, Ever Accountable, and Pluckly are great for screen accountability because they allow you to partner with an accountability partner to help you use technology responsibly and free from things like corn (replace the ‘c’ with a ‘p’).
Canopy is a tool that can radically improve your experience in any app because it can live filter out images on any app. I haven’t used the app myself, but a great friend of mine told me recently that it’s the best app out there for screen filtering and accountability.
Get an accountability partner
Find someone of the same gender who believes and follows Jesus that you can tell anything to and they’d respond with grace and truth. If you need help, tell a staff member or leader in your local Bible-believing church that you’re looking for an accountability partner. God-willingly, they’ll help you find the right person.
Use a separate app to schedule your posts
There is a way to continue sharing content with your Twitter community without being wrapped up and consumed in everything else that’s being posted. (However, this may make you feel a little removed from the people.) The only tool I know well and would recommend for this is Typefully, but I imagine there are many great tools available.
No matter what you do…
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:17 NLT
You who are in Christ are a representative of Jesus, a light that shines bright in the darkness. If you decide to stay on Twitter, do so in a safe way that allows you to continue living a holy life while also showing the light of Jesus to the Twitter community. If you decide to leave Twitter, that’s okay. A life of holiness isn’t easy, but it’s where freedom and life abundantly exist.
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 10:10 NLT
The Lord Jesus offers a rich and satisfying life. Each day is an opportunity to surrender to the will and heart of Jesus in whatever you do. Chose the rich and satisfying life Jesus offers you today.
Want tools to help you on your faith journey? Visit faith.tools
It's worth noting that Elon has said it's top priority to allow people on Twitter/X to disable adult content. So, while they're pushing to allow that type of content, it seems they will also allow you to disable seeing that. When the option becomes available, please disable that type of content to keep your eyes, mind, and heart pure and free