By now you’ve seen the #KONY2012 tweets and links blow up your Twitter and Facebook feeds. Since hitting our consciousness [via social media, of course] on Wednesday, we’ve been made aware of an issue–recruitment of child soldiers in Uganda–that has been ongoing for years, but has fallen of the general public’s radar.
Whatever you believe about Invisible Children‘s campaign, it’s done something to move the public to action. Christian, activist, high school student alike have shared the video or organized some Kony 2012 event to continue to raise awareness about Joseph Kony, head of the Lord’s Resistance Army and his war crimes against children.
So what can the Church learn from this as media content creators and consumers?
[tentblogger-vimeo 37119711]
Here are a few thoughts from the video:
“Right now, there are more people on Facebook than there were on the planet 200 years ago.”
There’s no doubt that the ways we communicate have changed. Facebook has become a primary vehicle through which we share our lives and build and connect with community. The extent to which this happens and translates into real life varies, but it leaves the Church with some questions regarding the role of social media in ministry.
“We share what we love and it reminds us what we all have in common.”
These days, when I think of sharing stories, I think of sharing links on Facebook or Twitter. Some of your churches may share stories through monthly newsletters, blog posts, at pub theology or over a good ‘ol potluck. When we get together to share stories–online or off–we participate in communion and are reminded that we are indeed connected to one another, united in love through a common faith.
“You have to pay attention.”
Just as rapidly as word spread about KONY 2012, critics posted push back and cautioned overzealous Facebook and Twitter activists to explore what it is they were sharing and advocating. I’ll be the first to sing praises about social media, but have learned that just because something trends, it doesn’t mean it’s been vetted. Take a moment to ask a simple, “why?” before you share information online, or advocate a cause, because what we post never really goes away.
However you decide to respond to the #KONY2012 campaign is up to you. What we can learn is that a good story is compelling and moves people to action.
What compelling stories will the Church tell today?
Agile Scout says
http://torontostandard.com/the-sprawl/kony-2012-scam-viral-video-visible-children
We must be aware of the social issues… but again, as you said, we must do our own diligence to figure out whether its legit or not.
I’m not a fan of the kony stuff… because of the shady biz that the ‘non-profit’ has been associated with…
Eric Dye says
I agree, Peter, you should always do your research before clicking “Like” and “Share.”
Here’s another view to throw into the mix: http://james127family.blogspot.com/2012/03/breaking-silence-to-defend-our-friends.html