As a former elementary school teacher, and grandmother to 6 young grandchildren, social media is no one's friend. Add to that, almost any program or screen time for young children, and there is a huge experiment going in for this generation and future generations, that could bring down society, IMO!
My 2 month old grandson, is more attracted to a screen, than his mother's face. Three of my other grandkids, the same. Two grandchildren are not affected at all! Because their parents have not let them use screens, except in long distance car trips, where the watch pre-screened children's movies. No games, nothing else.
One 6 year old had autism, he reads at a high level, and can do anything on an IPad. But his speech lags behind, his social interactions are poor. His parents mouth how important it is for their kids to only be online occasionally. Other than hockey and school, he is literally online every other minute. He is total Addict!
The two not allowed on screens are articulate, creative, have excellent social interactions, and both attend a charter gifted school. Their mom is a doctor, she read all the scholarly research on screens and young children, and talked it over with my son, and they both agree no screen time. I can't believe anyone would chose otherwise. They are active in hockey, soccer, swimming and skiing. They play outside with the neighbourhood kids daily.
The grandson who cannot turn off the IPad never plays outside for fun. He only plays in a park, for a short time, under the eye of one or both kids. Another way to stifle children's development.
My kids did not grow up with phones or computers. Except my daughter, that I bought a phone for in grade 11, after she got her driver's license. She's pretty hooked on screens, too!
The worst is my husband and me. I am on my IPhone, IPad or computer a lot of the day. I say I am there to help people grow in God, and learn things. But it is a lie.
I believe it has pulled my husband far from God. It certainly has not enhanced my walk with God.
I really fear for the outcome of this big social experiment. Because if a baby, a 6 year old, a 40 year old and a 65 year old can all get addicted, what will happen when those raised with the internet do not even know how bad it is!?
Here are a few articles to ponde. They do not directly address the OP's question of how screenscaffect spiritual development or our spiritual relationship with God, but let me put it this way:
If screens affect social, physical, and cognitive development, I would think they are also damaging to spiritual development and our relationship with God!
https://academic.oup.com/pch/article/22/8/461/4392451
https://centerforparentingeducation...fecting-the-growing-brains-of-their-children/
Here's a God article which specifically applies to Christians and media!
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/smartphone-addiction-and-our-spiritual-add