Discernment in the Age of Algorithms: Why Most Hot Takes Are Unholy

The devil loves a hot take. From the beginning, his favorite tactic has been to twist the truth. That same spirit still runs rampant today, not just in theology or politics, but in the health world. And too many people have traded discernment for dopamine.

Scroll long enough and you’ll find it: confident influencers preaching new food gospels that promise salvation through extremes. “All vegetables are toxic.” “Calories are all that matter.” “Humans don’t need fiber.” “Nobody should eat gluten.” “75 Hard is the best, bro.”

Each statement usually carries a sliver of truth—and that’s what makes it dangerous. They’re half-truths (or more like quarter-truths) wrapped in charisma, designed for clicks, not clarity. Scripture warned us of this kind of seduction: “Satan masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) In our time, he doesn’t just appear in pulpits. He appears in podcasts, reels, and algorithms.

The Cult of Controversy

Viral content thrives on extremes. Moderation doesn’t trend. Balance doesn’t sell. Saying “it depends” won’t get you followers, but saying “everything you’ve been told is wrong” might buy you beachfront property.

This is how deception spreads: it feeds on emotion. Fear, pride, rebellion, and outrage get engagement. Wisdom, patience, and humility rarely do. The modern world rewards outrage, not obedience.

That’s why entire online empires are built on rejecting balance and mocking truth. Yet real health (biblical, biological, and behavioral) is rarely exciting. It’s quiet, repetitive, and faithful. It looks like drinking water, eating food God made, going to bed on time, walking outside, and praying daily.

Endurance doesn’t go viral. But it’s the foundation of transformation.

Discernment in a Noisy World

The call of the believer is to test every message. God doesn’t want us to be gullible; He calls us to be discerning.

When someone online builds a brand around extremes or fear, that’s a red flag. One of the fruits of wisdom is peace. One of the fruits of deception is confusion. And Jesus told us plainly: “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)

So when an influencer shouts, “All plants are poison!” or “Science has evolved past nature!”—pause. Ask: Does this align with the order and rhythm God built into creation? Or is it just another attempt to feed the algorithm?

Biblical discernment is the ability to recognize when truth has been twisted. That skill protects us—not just spiritually, but physically. Because deception doesn’t stop at doctrine; it reaches into our diets, our habits, and our stewardship of the body God gave us.

Health That Honors God

The path to lasting health isn’t controversial. It’s steady, ordered, and often unremarkable. Eat real food that grows from the ground and grazes on grass. Rise with the sun and rest when it sets. Move your body as an act of gratitude. Keep your heart anchored in prayer.

It’s not flashy, but it’s faithful.

The wisdom of God doesn’t trend on social media, so think twice before following someone’s advice just because their post got a million views and they have abs. The truth doesn’t need a marketing budget.

👉 If you’re not sure what to believe anymore and want a Christ-centered approach to taking back your health, let’s talk. Schedule a complimentary Discovery Call today, and we’ll map out your next steps so you can finally feel in control again.