In Defense of Facebook
I was complaining to myself the other day about yet another perceived offense against my felicity committed by Facebook.
That’s when either my own common sense or the Lord interrupted my whining.
Facebook…is wondrous.
The creators of the site have enabled me to remain in contact with people I would have ordinarily lost to the circumstances of life, such as former co-workers, classmates, neighbors, friends who have moved,etc.
That, in itself, would be worth paying for and is enough to hail the site as a modern wonder of the age.
In addition, I’ve been able to engage with people I’ve never met, such as our readers, famous writers, and professionals of different stripes.
I’ve been exposed to new ideas and every political and religious position imaginable is championed by someone.
For all the clatter about it leaning left politically, I sure have a preponderance of right wing material available to view.
I would keep it bookmarked for the cat videos, if nothing else…
The problem with Facebook, (and all social media) is that by it’s nature it is full of sinners like you and me.
Attention and anonymity cause some to react in the same way as people who can’t hold their liquor.
Loudly and foolishly.
Some folks only want to hear from those who agree with them and some folks only want to hear the sound of their own voice.
These are the people who want to “break up” Facebook…do not count me among them.
Homogeneity is dreadfully boring and leads to inbreeding, which leads to the deformity of once useful ideas.
I celebrate living in a time when God has allowed us this tool…your mileage may vary…
I’m not joining your group on “Proofs of a Flat Earth”, but I’m glad you can create it.
Make your own application…
Hi Michael…I confess I’ve been one to knock Facebook. Repeatedly. I don’t have a Facebook account for various reasons, but I also confess I miss it at times. I was going to comment a few days ago on the Linkathon! page about the article on whether churches should withdraw from social media. My view is that individual Christians (not speaking of “churches” here) should decide for themselves whether or not to stay on social media….huh…original groundbreaking material right?!?
Anyways, I like your post here. I may join Facebook again someday, along with twitter. Like a few days ago when we were discussing being a peacemaker, I HOPE that I can do that…all the while biting my tongue…
Facebook has allowed me to keep up with you, Michael. I will keep it if for only that.
I’ve already viewed fb and the ills which come from it like a computer/the Internet and porn (among other evils) – what I think we hate is the continual mirror it so accurately reflects of our depravity.
I remember in the beginning (for me) I was annoyed by the endless “look at my precious” pics every 15 mins from moms, but it was only that, an annoyance. I didn’t feel fb was evil.
When people on all “sides” realized they could offend on a mass scale, it became something quite different.
Sorry, I meant “I’ve always viewed…”
To users, facebook is just a tool. Can be used for good or bad. But corporate FB & Google are evil.
Where else would I post live videos of my son playing hockey?!!
I love the interactions FB provides. I am friends with a wide variety of people, and they continually challenge me. The other day a friend from high school who is a liberal Buddhist lesbian yoga instructor posted about a time she was raped. It was raw and heartfelt, and I was able to express my sorrow and concern. I was able to engage with her across religious, political and a variety of other lines. She is still my friend, and that has as much to do with her as with me or FB. The point is…I probably would not work to maintain that relationship (she also lives thousands of miles away), but through FB I have been able to engage with her and be challenged.
And I like the dry bar comedy videos.
There are days I wish I still received letters in the mail…wish that I engaged in a slower pace, but I am thankful for what we have.