Olympics great Stephanie Rice now says social media is the domain of ‘the enemy’ as she turns to God amid mental health battle

Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Rice has criticized social media after speaking out about her new commitment to religion.

The 35-year-old swimming champion has said social media is the domain of 'the enemy' and has urged others to use their platform to 'influence their followers'.

“Social media has become a platform so heavily influenced by the enemy,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Society places so much value on external validation, such as how many followers someone has, as if that is the only factor that determines someone's worth.”

“It really bothers me because it sends a message, especially to young girls, that they should strive for fame, thinking that's what will fill them up inside… but that will never happen.”

Stephanie went on to say that anyone on social media can make you think 'they have a great life, a great relationship, success and money'.

“But if you really think about the people who inspire you, they generally focused first on their craft, skills, careers, etc., which made them famous… at least that was the case for me,” she continued.

“I always dreamed of being an Olympian and God knows I worked so hard for it for years without any recognition to one day, overnight, become 'famous'.”

She continued, “So I pray instead that young girls focus on their health, building a career, having good friendships, supporting and uplifting others, and hopefully giving back.”

“Those are the true fruits and blessings of God and if you have been given a platform to influence others, please honor 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 newfound commitment 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 on Instagram of herself and other members of the Kingdom City Church gathering for prayer.

“I honestly never thought I would be the person showing up to prayer nights on my own in a new country and connecting with a community through a church,” she wrote.

'But here I am, and god, it's so special and it's made me feel so supported in this new home in Dubai.'

It comes days after Stephanie opened up about her newfound commitment 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 who share your love and support every day. I just want to emphasize a few things when it comes to negative comments,” she began.

“First and foremost, please consider how your comments might affect someone who is really struggling with their mental health.”

'I'm fortunately resilient and strong and have been through this before I knew how to handle it, but some people don't have that strength… so please think about that before you feel the need to say something that really no one else then serve yourself.'

She went on to say, “This year has been one of many tears of struggle, disappointment, heartache and ultimately loss of faith.”

“I want to share this openly with you to give you courage in times of struggle, but also so that you can be reminded that God will bless you again,” she continued.

“And if he goes, I'll share that too, because I love seeing people happy and thriving, it gives me hope for my own life.”

“As my journey unfolds and the blessings come, I hope you can see all that is possible for your own life and that we can enjoy it together.”

The champion swimmer, who bought a one-way ticket to Dubai to start a new life, has revealed how turning to God 'made 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 Australia earlier this year, where she spoke about her struggles since retiring from swimming.

“I felt really lost after I finished swimming,” she said.

'I didn't feel like I had a purpose or direction and that no one understood.

“I felt like I hadn't trained for anything since I finished competing. It felt like I didn't really have a goal to work towards, one specific thing.”

She previously revealed she suffered from anxiety and depression which left her feeling 'lost and confused', with the condition worsening when a major swimming competition took place.

The Olympic gold medalist appeared on Channel 7's SAS Australia earlier this year, where she spoke about her struggles since retiring from swimming