What do you think? Lately, it seems like Facebook has become filled with spam more than ever before. I remember the days of MySpace. Everyone, especially younger students loved it. To me, it was always hard to navigate through and read. Like MySpace, I think Facebook is losing steam in the social networking battle. Google+ is looking better and better each day, but everyone and their grandmother is on Facebook! My all time favorite is Twitter. Why? Because it is basic. You have 140 characters to write with no "like" button or multiple game invites! Twitter wins the "social networking award" in my opinion. We will see it unfold in the coming years. Second to Twitter, Google+ is next in line to Facebook. Will Facebook die a slow death similar to MySpace? We will see.
Social networking is a great tool. It can be used in great ways. You can share scripture, encouraging comments and more. It is a place to share pictures and videos to family and friends. But, the danger that arises is when we see social networking as the actual way we socially interact. We are in a generation that is connected technologically but disconnected relationally. MySpace lost its relevance when it moved away from the basic premise of social networking. It became lost in its purpose. Facebook is slowly losing its purpose. It has gotten so messy. A thumbnail of a dirty picture was left on my wall from spam this past Saturday! I quickly removed it as fast as a I could! Facebook has become less relevant due to ads, spam and games.
The same is true in our spiritual lives. We become distracted by the things of the world. Before we know it, we have lost our focus upon our main purpose. We need to stay focused upon the basics of glorifying God in our lives.
Let's remember that social networking sites can be used for good. But, authentic relationships are meant to be in person. We were not meant to focus all of our energies looking at a computer screen. Social networks can be helpful in connecting people, but it will never take the place of life on life relationships. I pray that we become more connected to God rather than more "connected" on social networks. I pray we never substitute face to face interaction for a social networking website.
What are your thoughts? I'd like to hear them.