Is social media the enemy?
Below is the beginning of PBS blogger Andy Carvin’s thoughts on “Generation Me,” and a subsequent link to read the rest of his post. He got the idea for his article based on an Associated Press investigation done using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory on college students. One of the researchers, Professor Jean Twenge of San Diego State University, concluded that, “Current technology fuels the increase in narcissism… By its very name, MySpace encourages attention-seeking, as does YouTube.” Twenge also blamed the “self-esteem movement” of the 1980s.
Carvin makes the argument that although the younger generation may be more self-centered, social media isn’t to blame. In fact, according to Carvin, new media is:
“communities where people come together to find each other and bond over likeminded interests. They’re communities where people reinforce interpersonal relationships through sharing and creating content.”
He concludes that:
“Twenge misunderstands the ethos of social media, not recognizing that users of social media do it because they care about the notion of “us” and want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
Since I have worked with teenagers for about 14 years, both in the classroom as well as with church youth groups, I have come to understand that this age group is always dying for attention, and they hunger for purpose and to feel important. They may never seem to directly ask for this, but underneath it all, they recognize that something is missing.
Social media simply reflects what is going on inside the hearts and minds of people. It is similar to money. Money is not evil in of itself, however, when one has a lot or a little amount of it, the truth comes out; character is revealed. So with social media. It is not evil, yet when people spend enough time engaging with it, the truth comes out of what’s happening on the inside – good or bad. As it has been throughout history, the future will continue to provide such “mirrors” that reveal character.
I truly believe that the 21st century will require more collaboration, effective communication skills, personal organization and discipline, and most importantly, more love and compassion. The “cult of celebrity” entices our quest for happiness. Society loves to feed on finding quick answers, results, and satisfaction. The media and corporations are more than willing to provide the feast. This leads to an exponential increase in personal alienation and social chaos. Without something constant and true, where will we be in 20 years?
In my life, I have found that living according to the truth of the Bible, and living a life of mission means acting out with compassion and love. The only way to truly make a lasting impression is to find ourselves in the center of God’s purpose. This is truly the only way I can use social media effectively, as a means for my mission and purpose. Having had the opportunity to travel all over the world to see what makes a lasting impression on people, I can honestly say that people long for relationship. To completely accept and to totally be accepted by others and by God will change this world.
And now for that article….!
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Has MySpace Contributed to Generation Me?
A new study out this week suggests that today’s college students are more self-centered than ever before. The question I keep asking myself, though, is why so many people are blaming MySpace and other social media tools for this apparent trend. Perhaps there’s a connection, but there’s plenty more blame to go around.
Click here for the rest of the story.
