At times it seems that we’re moving toward an online world that is without privacy and where everything is documented and seen.
This movement towards transparency, for some, is a welcome philosophical change but for others it challenges unique paradigms and elements of human interaction.
Studies have shown that the newer and younger generations are spending more and more time online and it’s been suggested that this is directly impacting their ability to relate, communicate, and whether it is fundamentally changing the way “friendships” are created and sustained.
Whether or not we an do anything about this shift is one thing but I’ve been thinking long and hard about how this next generation will engage in ministry online. In essence I think that it will look like nothing that I can imagine today.
Spooky.
Here’s another question being asked:
The question on researchers’ minds is whether all that texting, instant messaging and online social networking allows children to become more connected and supportive of their friends — or whether the quality of their interactions is being diminished without the intimacy and emotional give and take of regular, extended face-to-face time.
If it’s the former then online ministry is going to be even more comprehensive and engaging. But at what cost? Of course, there’s another side of the coin too:
Others who study friendships argue that technology is bringing children closer than ever. Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer, author of a book published last year called “Making Friends: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child’s Friendships,” believes that technology allows them to be connected to their friends around the clock. “I think it’s possible to say that the electronic media is helping kids to be in touch much more and for longer.”
Perhaps. Who knows?
But again, it will impact how we do ministry online. My daughter will do it differently than I am today, and her children will do it way differently as well.
I hope I live to see it!
[HT: NYTimes]
Graham Brenna says
This is a very interesting topic for sure! I see it both ways. I would say that my personal experience is that technology enhances my friendships because it allows me to stay connected to my friends who have moved out-of-state in a way that doesn’t require me to pick up the phone all the time. But then again… I do still pick up the phone and call out-of-state quite frequently to have one-on-one time with them.
I have spent the past decade working very closely with the youth program at my church and after observing “my kids'” interactions with each other on Facebook… that it is definitely helping them to be better friends to each other and has helped them support each other through hardships as well as through times of celebration.
It is a slippery slope though and I believe physically being in the same space as one another is equally as important.
Graham Brenna says
BTW – first!
Kyle Reed says
Its such a tough place to be. You love the tools of social media but understand the limitations. You are right, it does not replace face to face, but it does enhance the opportunities to interact with friends that are not close to you because of distance.
PatrickBartkus says
Personally, I have found being connected on-line has enhanced my friendships.
Example: I meet a person at a social gathering. I become their Facebook friend. Now, I get updates about what they are doing and what they care about. The next time I see them I have more things that we can talk about and share with each other.
And, I can maintain contact with friends who aren’t physically nearby much better.
To really get to know someone takes work, caring, and willingness to be vulnerable. This is still best done one-on-one. This hasn’t changed.
But, using social networks help me feel more connected with my friends.