The Church of Facebook

I'm a member of Facebook. I don't update my status. My prominent activity is that my blog posts from Typepad are imported to Facebook as a note. I also don't Twitter.

I sound like a technical dork (which I can be at times) or obstinate to the reality of social networking. Neither are true. So, while I'm not a typical member, I know it's shaping our behavioral response to human emotions and the ever changing culture of how relationships are shaped. 

Social networking fills a basic human need for connection. While its' not the most helpful method for me, The Church of Facebook, by Jesse Rice, is a book that explores the hidden truths behind the several hundred million people who have joined in five years.

Besides filling the need to connect, it allows us to decide how we want to be perceived by others, either by what we reveal or what we hide. FB gives us control. It demonstrates our deep need and search for acceptance. 

There are those who will say, "No, really. I just wanted to join Facebook to see what all the hype is about." While that's true for some, a majority have made this a high priority for how our limited time is spent.  

Frances Chan said in a recent teaching, "Years from now, there will be a revealed purpose from Facebook and Twitter. It will be evidence that our lack of relationship with God was not due to a lack of available time." I don't say that to bring shame. It's said to shed light on the value that people give to it.

In the last month, I've had 3 separate people talk about their overwhelming feelings when no one comments on their FB wall, or sends them a text. "Are my friends mad at me? Have I done something?" They know it's irrational to have these thoughts, but it's hitting the roots of their insecurity. It holds a prominent place in our lives. 

The book was a good read. It's an intriguing topic. Let me end with this quote from Jesse, "While our social connections are growing exponentially, the number of people with whom we feel safe to trust the most important parts of ourselves is clearly shrinking." 

Comments

[Stephanie]

This is wonderful.I feel guilty because I don't respond every time someone writes on my wall, or look at every single pic that is posted.

- I end up thinking it's a whole new arena for me to feel like I'm letting everybody down!

This is a very timely and relevant topic - I'd love to read that book...but I think I already have a list of books I want to borrow, and still have some to return to you ;)

[Dan Clark]

The whole FB thing has been something of a quandary for me. I think it is another way that people connect. I'm not sure of all the implications of it, as I am more of an observer than an active participant. I can imagine that it can be encouraging, but also can be discouraging depending on your perspective. I have not come to a definite conclusion on its impact. I don't think it can be ignored.
Dan

[David Girton]

I agree that FB is a useful vehicle in stying connected to friends and family, but it's just that, a tool in a friendship. In the end its the times we spend in moving toward genuine relationship with these people and ultimately our devotion and love of God.

Recently, I took a 3 month hiatus from FB but I'll save my observations for my page sometime!

Do you have the title for Chan's book? Thanks!

[Kathy Guy]

There were several valid concerns raised in the book. Because I'm not an active FB participant, I was sensitive to not blog on those specifically as it would sound as if I was negative about FB. I'm not. I just know why it doesn't work for me, and it has to do with Stephanie's comment.

Relationships take an investment of time. Trying to invest in the quantity of FB relationships requires partial focus on many things rather than specific focus on any one thing. The book raises that concern. If I give even partial focus to FB, it will pull me away from other places where I believe my specific focus needs to be.

I'm anxious to hear David's observations about his 3 month hiatus from FB.

Regarding Chan's book, he has written a book called Crazy Love. However, he's the pastor at Cornerstone Church, cornerstonesimi.com. Occasionally, I listen to his sermons on my ipod. The quote came from a sermon of his -- not a book. Sorry for the confusion.