The Potential Concerns and Benefits of Social Networking featuring Alicia Sheppard

Social networking is sweeping the world. Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc are all realities that have infiltrated our world and have been woven into the fabric of our culture. When one is immersed in various facets of social networking it is often difficult to see what is happening as opposed to stepping back and observing from a panoramic view to gain a better perspective.

Potential Concerns

Technology a vehicle that was used to bring us together is often something that causes separation. While in Pasadena I met my family for dinner after class at Maggiano’s in the Grove. I found it interesting that once we were all seated, we made sure that everyone’s phones were off to guarantee that we actually had a family dinner. In the 21st century I would submit that while the world is more interconnected than ever it is simultaneously more disconnected than ever. Many people miss the magnitude of the moment, because their attention is constantly shared and diverted towards the various devices that are included with their cell phones.

With facebook, it can become addicting. There are some people who are constantly online with facebook, and I wonder if in some ways have they logged off of life? Or is life in sleep mode? Perhaps behind consistent connection to facebook is a cry for real connection and a subtle acknowledgement of internal disconnect. The day I recognized I needed to check myself was when I woke up and reached to check my facebook on my phone before getting on my knees to pray. That let me know I had an issue that desperately needed to be addressed. My priorities needed realignment quickly! Another concern is life becoming entertainment. Since I know that people will check my page, the temptation could ensue to present a show of myself that is entertaining which may stem from an underlying desire for affirmation and validation.
So now life has the danger of becoming a reality show, a version of the truth that is edited to gain ratings and approval. People will go for the jugular in an attempt to re-present themselves in a fashion that will capture attention. Not only are we the stars of the show but also the consumers. Updates become news, and we run the risk of becoming “a busy body in other men’s matters I Peter 4:15.” Facebook places me in danger of becoming entertained and in other people’s business instantly. As a result we might only see our facebook friends as characters, instead of actual people with actual hearts and spirits.
Another potential danger is the pseudo anonymity that facebook provides. One can hide behind the keyboard and express themselves in ways that they would normally not do in real life. It is far easier to click on a “friend request” as opposed to actually approaching a person and establishing a genuine friendship.

So before I further put myself in a position as anti-facebook individual, I must acknowledge the reason for acknowledging the potential dangers is so they can be avoided and the benefits of social networking can fully be embraced. I can’t begin to talk about the potential power of unity and connection. I have reconnected with so many individuals from elementary, junior, senior high school, and college who have shared their spiritual journeys and where they are now. The testimonies and words of encouragement posted on facebook have often been the words of encouragement that I needed. Just to see how individuals have matured and have careers and families is a tremendous blessing and quite encouraging.

As a matter of fact, I made the acquaintance of a young lady at a wedding (What’s up Lal and Tiana?!) in the past, and reconnected with her via facebook and discovered that she is an author http://www.thesheppardstouch.net/Alicias_Page.html (I am aspiring to be one myself) and has an undeniable passion and love for God. as a matter I asked her to write the 2nd half of this blog and address the potential benefits of Social networking, and she so graciously obliged! So here is Ms. Alicia Sheppard:

Potential Benefits

I have to admit, I find it almost difficult to continue because at times I find myself falling into the same potentially unhealthy habits listed above that “facebook culture” can encourage. And my blackberry doesn’t help with that flashing red light that lets me know whenever I have a new notification! Certainly we need to remember that various forms of entertainment and technology, online communities included, can become distractions or even addictions if we let them, and can actually reduce the quality of our time with God and others. But, if used correctly, social networking can be a positive addition to our lives. Like many things, it’s a terrible foundation, but a very useful accessory.

For me during college, friends and social events were not only plentiful, but they were highly accessible. Class, dorms, the quad, the library, the cafeteria, and the gym were all places where you ran into people you knew all the time. Life after college, however, is a little different—work, bills, and an apartment are the more common fixtures of daily life and have much less built-in fun and socializing (thank God for our church communities!). Many young adults feel isolated outside of the school environment because friends are farther away and social gatherings require a lot more work and planning to put together. Social networking is a way to recreate some of that accessibility to friends and loved ones again. After all, it’s not God’s plan for us to sulk alone in our isolated corners. God’s word says “it is not good for man to be alone,” (Gen 2:18). I believe that principle not only applies to God’s design for marriage, but also to God’s plan for human life in general—a life that is to be characterized by fellowship and relationships. Online communities are used for good when they aid us in maintaining those relationships, especially with people whom we might not interact with regularly otherwise. “We’ll keep in touch” is no longer an empty cliché thrown out there just to be polite. In some cases facebook was the only way I was able to keep up with out-of-state friends’ marriages, graduations, new babies, or other major milestones!

In the New Testament, we see how the apostles really prioritized maintaining connections with the early churches. They sent requests for help, words of encouragement, prayer requests, and even testimonies to one other. But because of the lack of technology, communication usually involved sending hand-written letters or undertaking long journeys by foot or boat. Thank goodness we don’t have to do all of that anymore. Imagine that now, the body of Christ is able to continue to make interconnection a priority, but we can do so with the click of a button! Just last week one of my facebook friends posted a prayer request in her status for a friend who had been hospitalized. She asked for the prayer warriors to rally together and intercede, and within minutes, many had posted words of encouragement, reassuring her they had already begun praying! Matthew 18:20 says, “Where are two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them,” and in this instance many more than that had responded in just moments! How awesome that on a random weeknight we have the ability to instantly connect with other believers this way.

But not only can we reach out to our spiritual family, we can also reach out to those who don’t know God. We have the ability to spread truth rapidly. I’ve been surprised at the ways a little facebook thread about a particular scripture or a posted video clip of an inspiring message has opened up a dialog with people who don’t have a relationship with Christ. There have been times when I thought to myself, “This person is not going to care about this post!” But every time I have decided to share part of my faith with people the Lord put on my heart, it’s always led to at least one conversation. That should encourage us to really use these communities as opportunities to be a light for God to those in darkness. Now the REAL challenge is to do that more often.

Lastly, don’t forget the value of good old-fashioned clean fun! After all, “a merry heart does good like medicine!” (Proverbs 17:22). Every now and then we just need a good laugh—a release from the stresses and burdens of the day. How many times have you logged on to a social networking site and seen a post from someone that just gave you the biggest laugh you’d had all day? Laughter is a ministry, and a much needed one! In fact, the entertainment value and levity of sites like facebook can even be the light that attracts unbelievers to your page, because they realize you are human like them, and can have fun without compromising your integrity! Then you can sprinkle in some salt (the Word) to also edify.
Beware of the potential dangers and then maximize the benefits—who knows who you’ll be able to connect (or in my case today, RE-connect) with!

Thank you so much Alicia! Ultimately, like impact of social networking is determined based on one’s motivation, balance and prioritization. God, in all things teach us investigate and purify our motives, teach us balance, and allow our priorities to begin with you as primary in our lives. As a result when people connect with us through any medium allow them to connect with You, and Your love, and Your power, this in my prayer, in Jesus Name, Amen.