Facebook is HUGE! As of 2011 500 million users; this means 1 out of ever 13 people in the WORLD are on it! 48% of 18-34 year old are on it, 72% of American internet user us it, and americans only make up 30% of Facebook users in the world. This thing is crazy; its so crazy that its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, is the one of the youngest billionaires of all time (net worth of about 15 billion at 28 years old).
I may be addicted to Facebook. As I watch it daily I’ve started to notice a few things about FB culture that makes me laugh and want to call it out. This is mainly directed towards those who say they follow Jesus, but if it speaks to anyone else thats cool too.
1. Facebook has made weak people look tough
Its one thing to call out someone in relationship, but on Facebook has changed the game. You can comment on a status and make yourself look tough without having to confront anyone. I watch people call out friends and Pastors without ever having to go to them and actually be tough.
2. Facebook has made us worry about connecting without connecting
A lot of people use social media to connect with people. We build our friend list and we call it connecting, but we never connect. Get a bunch of 20 somethings in a room give them all Iphone’s and non of them talk to each other, yet they update their status.
3. Facebook has made dumb people sound smart
I may have to give this one to google, but Facebook can contribute too. You can post things on your status that makes you sound deep and smart, but you don’t have the intelligence to apply any of those things in your life. No one cares if you can explain something on post, what should matter is do you live it in your life.
4. Facebook has made complainers popular
You write a complaint on Facebook, and then what happens? People LIKE it or agree with you. All of the sudden we are trained to get attention or to be popular find things and complain about them.
5. Facebook has made many of our true colors shine
Too many people share WAY TOO MUCH on Facebook. “My baby daddy” “that dumb hoe” all of the things we shouldn’t broadcast to people you don’t know.
To sum it up Facebook has succeeded! But this is where we have to question, am I contributing to its success? This means that we should stop pretending we are connecting and really connect with someone over coffee. Don’t call people out on Facebook, but call them on the phone. Stop complaining and start praying. Stop projecting how smart we want to be and actually learn and do something. And get some people in your life that can know anything about you and stop telling the world. If Christians are supposed to be the light of the world, this is an area we ALL (especially me) need to begin to grow in.
