Sinning with Your Eyes: The Silent Danger of Short Videos

We live in an age where entertainment is just a swipe away. Short-form video apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, Kwai, and others have become part of the daily lives of millions of people. But are we paying attention to what our eyes are consuming?

The look can also sin

Jesus warned us about this in Matthew 5:28:

"But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

This passage shows us that sin begins not only with actions, but with intentions—and often, with our eyes. What we see can fuel desires, thoughts, and attitudes that distance us from God.

The risk of continuous exposure

These platforms' algorithms are designed to capture our attention, often exposing us to sensual, violent, or frivolous content, even without our intention. This can:

• Desensitize the heart : What used to bother us now seems normal.

• Feeding comparisons and envy : "Perfect" lives that we see in videos can generate frustration and dissatisfaction.

• Opening doors to greater temptations : An innocent click can lead to increasingly inappropriate content.

  
  

How to guard your eyes and heart

1. Filter what you consume : Use app settings to limit sensitive content.

2. Set time limits : Avoid excessive and aimless consumption.

3. Feed on the Word : The more we fill ourselves with God, the less space we give to what takes us away from Him.

4. Pray for discernment : Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify and avoid visual traps.

5. Use Catholic-inspired apps: Santify+ was designed specifically to avoid occasions of sin.

Conclusion

The eye is a window to the soul. In a world saturated with images and stimuli, we need to be intentional about protecting our eyes—and, consequently, our hearts and souls. May we use technology wisely, always seeking to glorify God in all we see, do, and share.