Excarnating and Incarnating the Self: Social Media and Being

Abstract

The article explores the theological and philosophical implications of social media on personal identity, employing the Christian doctrine of the incarnation and the philosophy of Michel Henry. It argues that social media platforms pose significant dangers of “excarnation,” where users create disembodied, curated identities leading to fragmented selves and associated psychological issues. Conversely, it highlights opportunities for integration and authenticity through supportive online communities and activism. By examining biblical narratives, particularly the Garden of Eden and the figure of Jesus as the “second Adam,” this study highlights the contrast between incarnate, authentic being, and digital self-fragmentation. Michel Henry’s phenomenology provides a critical theological framework for assessing how social media influences self-understanding. Ultimately, the article calls for a conscious engagement with digital spaces that prioritizes authenticity and integration, reflecting the divine image in human existence.