February 16, 2011
Generally, when I think of Facebook, I think of all the time I spend there instead of doing homework. And, of course, if anything is worse for feeding my vanity than facebook, it’s probably twitter.
After all, holding a twitter account is probably evidence that I believe that everyone wants to know what I’m doing or funny things I’m thinking at all times—so long as it fits in 140 characters.
But maybe the worst of all is blogging, because honestly, do I think that my thoughts are important enough to be put on the Internet for anyone to read instead of just shared with the people I know in real life?
But reflecting on the current happenings in Egypt, I can’t help but be amazed that these very medias: YouTube, Google, Twitter and Facebook—sparked a revolt that overthrew a thirty-year regime. People who were tired of oppression used the means given to remind their brothers and sisters of their dignity and their duty to stand against those who crush them. Real concerns were communicated, which then led to real action and real change.
In fact, these youthful medias were so powerful the government shut them down completely—along with all cell phones—in attempt to stop the rioting.
Sometimes I forget that my social networking addiction is also a privilege. I take for granted the fact that I live in a country where the government cannot simply shut off the Internet.
I may make fun of my smart phone that has Twitter, Facebook and texting all in one place—but may I never forget the power associated with the mass communication of ideas.
And then I start to get embarrassed when I think of all of the time wasted on things I post on my online profiles.
Bison Hill, let us not forget the power of words to build or to destroy.
Too often, I think I clutter the airspace with things that don’t matter. Perhaps instead I should reacquaint myself with my own sphere of influence.
Am I using the tools at my disposal with due diligence? Or am I trying to beat my last high score in robot unicorn attack?
I think I need a paradigm shift. Instead of viewing social networking as something with which to waste time—perhaps I should question why I waste time at all. If God gave me ten talents, shouldn’t I be trying to get interest on all ten of them instead of just six?
And if the first thing in the Bible, which is called holy, is time, why do I not treat it as such?
May I let the God of my quiet time and the God of my Sunday school also be the Lord of my Facebook and Twitter. Amen.
