Facebook has recently been in the news after it was floated on the US stock market at a valuation around US$100 billion (that is a 1 and 11 zeros, in case you are confused – or $14 from every human being on the planet). Many of you will know the history of Mark Zuckerberg, the 28 year old founder (now a billionaire), from the mainly factual film "The Social Network" (2010), or you can read the Wikipedia entry for Facebook here. The growth of the website/company is a textbook example of successfully maximising the potential of an idea into a global business.
The most popular website in the world, Facebook has transformed the way in which the internet is used and has done much to connect together and build the relationship networks of its 900 million users. In the UK, Facebook usage is having a huge social impact.
But what does this mean to us? Just another time-sink in our busy lives? Like every aspect of the Internet, Facebook and other social networking sites can be used to enrich or impoverish the user. For every positive consequence (support networks, sharing memories, interaction with friends and relatives) there are negative consequences (rioting co-ordination, conflict magnification, stress increase, reduction in our time for God). Humankind is mostly made up of unkind humans, so the odds are that the average Facebook user sees more negatives than positives from their frequent interactions online.
The past 20 years have seen the pace of the world accelerate and our "always on" lives powered by pocket-sized smart phones mean that we are often to be found working at times traditionally viewed as recreation or rest. What I think is needed is a pause to reflect on our priorities – and to make sure that we continue to build relationships face-to-face and not purely online. To misquote Rob Parsons, I don't think many people will say on their deathbed, "I wish I had spent more time on Facebook". And I have more than enough evidence of Facebook-fuelled conflicts to know that whenever the tongue (or the keyboard) is used in anger, much hurt and damage to relationships can follow.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3: 9-10 [NIV]
I am not suggesting that you abandon Facebook or condemn it as something to be avoided – rather I just want to encourage perspective and common sense – value the time you have – remember that people are eternal and things are temporary. Let us refrain from hurting others.
Lord, you have given us all 24 hours in the day – help us to use them to your glory. Amen.
Dave MacLellan
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