I
It is no secret that as the years go on , we are delving deeper and deeper into a world consumed and run by technology and social media . What used to be a an odd visit to a bebo account led to after school conversations on MSN . We now rely on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram to peer into someone ’ s life and our perspective of somebody can be based largely on what is shown on their social media profiles . We are able to feel as though we know someone inside out without even meeting them face to face . Technology is developing at an alarming rate , we can now play games and actually feel as though we are there , immersive gaming is on the rise and maybe Christians should question whether this is what God wanted for us ? We are not made to be distracted from reality , we are created to embrace , lead and love people . How is this possible when we are now able to hide miles away from reality and immerse ourselves in a man made facade ?
Should we as a generation be fearing for our future ? Is it time for us to take off the masks we have painted and face true reality ? We seem to be living in an anxious society yearning
Social Media - S for affirmation from one another , embellishing our lives with likes , views and followers . We are growing into a generation which creates a product out of ourselves , we rely on being fed by affirmation from a lost shallow generation . It may be time to slow down on the social media ladder and actually breathe and know that we are seen , we are noticed , we are loved . We are children of a God who sees our needs and desires . A God who will give us above and beyond what social
22 | SHARE | MAGAZINE January - March 2017
media |
and |
technology |
give us . |
|
|
As a 21 year old digital journalist student and amateur photographer I am consistently surrounded by social media and the digital world . However , I have been blessed with a curious mind which wants to constantly question our path as a generation . I am someone who loves to share my life on instagram , I love to laugh at the random videos I scroll across on my facebook feed , also with friends across the planet . Social media gives me an easy access tool into their lives . I am very aware of the positives of social media and technology ; social media could be seen as a tool to enhance the kingdom of God . If the world shifted their perspective to a place of encouragement everything could change . In some ways it already has which is so great to see . I love seeing pastors encourage each other on
instagram , I love to see accounts created to share the gospel and speak truths over darkness . My fear is the fakeness . We post to show what we want people to see , we show the glamour , the parties , the friendships . We never seem to let people into the cracks or crevasses of our lives . This creates a pressure to have an ‘ insta worthy ’ life .
Recently , the new popular series ‘ Black Mirror ’ was released . This series is set on the harrowing future of social media and technology . It gives a terrifying insight