Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice has slammed social media after opening up about her new dedication to religion.
The champion swimmer, 35, has said social media is the domain of ‘the enemy’ and urged others to use their platform to ‘influence their followers’.
‘Social media has become a platform that is so heavily influenced by the enemy,’ she wrote on Instagram.
‘Society places such value on external validation, like how many followers someone has, as if that’s the only factor that determines someone’s value.’
‘It really bothers me, because it sends a message, especially to young girls that they should aspire for fame, thinking that’s what will fill them up inside … but it never will.’
Olympics great Stephanie Rice has now said social media is the domain of ‘the enemy’ as she turns to God amid mental health battle
Stephanie went on to say anyone on social media can make you think ‘they have an amazing life, great relationship, success and money’.
‘But when you actually think about the people who inspire you, they generally have focused first on their craft, skill, career etc, which led them to fame…that was the case for me anyway,’ she continued.
‘I always dreamed of being an Olympian and God knows I worked so hard for it, for year and years without any recognition to one day, overnight, become ‘famous’.’
She continued: ‘So I pray instead that young girls focus on being healthy, building a career, having quality friendships, supporting others and lifting them up and hopefully also giving back.’
‘Those are the real fruits and blessings of God and if you’re gifted a platform to influence others, please honour it, and use it for good!!’
The champion swimmer has said social media is the domain of ‘the enemy’ and urged others to use their platform to ‘influence their followers’
It comes just days after Stephanie opened up about her new dedication to religion after moving to Dubai.
The swimmer, who bought a one-way ticket to Dubai to start a new life, has revealed how turning to God has ‘helped her feel so supported in my new home.’
She shared a photo to Instagram of herself and other members of the Kingdom City church gathering for prayer.
‘I honestly never thought I would be this person turning up on prayer nights, on my own, in a new country, connecting with a community through a church,’ she wrote.
‘But here I am and gosh it is so special and has helped me feel so supported in this new home in Dubai.’
It comes days after Stephanie opened up about her new dedication to religion after moving to Dubai
Following her post, Stephanie thanked fans for their support as she struggles with her mental health.
‘Thank you to all the beautiful people that share your love and support every single day. I just want to highlight a few things when it comes to negative comments,’ she began.
‘Firstly, please consider how your comments could effect someone that is truly is struggling with their mental health.’
‘I thankfully am resilient and strong and have been through this before I know how to hand it but some people don’t have that strength… so please consider that before you feel the need to say something that really doesn’t serve anyone but yourself.’
She went on to say ‘this year has been one of the many tears from the struggle, disappointment, heartache and ultimately loss in faith.’
‘I want to share openly with you to give you courage in seasons of struggle but also so you can be reminded that God will bless you again,’ she continued.
‘And when he goes I will share that too because I adore seeing people happy and thriving, it gives me hope for my own life.’
‘As my journey unfolds and blessings come, I hope you can see all that’s possible for your own life and we can enjoy it all together.’
The champion swimmer, who bought a one-way ticket to Dubai to start a new life, has revealed how turning to God has ‘helped me feel so supported in my new home’
Following her post, Stephanie thanked fans for their support as she struggles with her mental health
The Olympic Gold Medalist appeared on Channel 7’s SAS earlier in the year where she spoke out about her struggles since retiring from swimming.
‘I felt really lost after I finished swimming,’ she said.
‘I didn’t feel like I had any purpose or any direction and I didn’t feel like anybody understood.
‘I felt like I haven’t really trained for anything since I finished competing – like I haven’t really had a goal to work towards, one specific thing.’
She previously revealed that she suffered from anxiety and depression that left her feeling ‘lost and confused’, with the condition worsening when there was a major swimming competition taking place.
The Olympic Gold Medalist appeared on Channel 7’s SAS earlier in the year where she spoke out about her struggles since retiring from swimming