How do we find balance in sharing and connecting on-line?
There are so many beautiful things about the internet... I have to say- I am grateful for the sense of community I feel on facebook, blogs, email (haven't yet found the joy of twitter..).
But, at the same time, all of these can also bring this sense of pressure, need to share, guilt for not sharing enough, insecurity of sharing too much.. feelings of inadequacy.
How can we find balance in this world of excess information- of constant opportunity for connection- which can, ironically, lead to isolation?
How do we find rhythm and balance?
How can we utilize and be a part of this incredibly connected world community, this web of life, words, pictures, friendships, information, humor, and support, without getting trapped by the 'if it didn't get posted to the internet then it didn't really happen' mindset?
How can we maintain true, deep, human physical connections, while also appreciating the tools available though our little phones, and glowing computer screens?
What do you think? How do you find balance and rhythm in the technological community?
(image from :http://ascannerdorky.wordpress.com/2007/07/18/10)
I don't think of social media as community itself, per se, but as a tool that aids us in finding, building, and maintaining community. As human beings we're built to be social creatures, so the extension of this drive to such outlets as Facebook, Twitter, etc. makes complete and total sense. It is true that these tools help us tremendously in exchanging and sorting social information, but they do not provide the essential presence of other human beings in an adequate way. We are biologically built to properly socialize with other members of the human species through face to face interaction, and no amount of electronic media can substitute for this fundamental need. We cannot adequately communicate tone, gesture, facial expressions, or body language through massive social media, so it will remain supplemental to my social experience. Still, I'm not deleting my Facebook page any time soon either!
ReplyDeleteI'll try this again. I feel that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages with the internet----but clearly need to be monitored or limited. (there's truly the opportunity to become addicted) I've been able to reconnect with a best friend from GRADESCHOOL through facebook and with some relatives, it's the only connection that we have. I really don't see you allowing your children (or you and Kyle) to sit from morning to night on the computer. You lead active lifestyles (boy is that an understatement)
ReplyDeleteand clearly ration your time on line. To me, clearly the word is 'balance'----is your life Christ centered? Your children wear clean clothes and eat well balanced meals, get plenty of fresh air, and are far from neglected. Whenever your life is 'out of whack', then you check to see where your time is being spent and where you can change. But please don't stop posting pictures on fb, that's my entire reason for joining, so that I can see more of my grandchildren. Just for that, it's all worth it.