“The lines of popular cultural engagement are being redrawn, because the rise of new media has fundamentally changed the way people process information at a cognitive level.”
“I have been researching electronic media and intergenerational communication for 10 years, and there really are some broad and deep implications here. One finer point worth mentioning is that print-based communication—which is primarily how the historical works and insights of all religious thought have been preserved—is being displaced as authoritative in society by interactive, and increasingly, peer-based communication. As the influence of new media increases, the influence of the proven ideas of the past stand to decrease. Who benefits from this, and who does not?”
Even though I am keen on the downside of electronic media, I am a big fan of it as well. I am especially a big fan of blogging…duh.
One of the biggest reasons why is because it is an incredible avenue for proclamation of the Gospel and contending for the Christian worldview.
It’s no secret that most of what we call the “old media” is secular in orientation. This goes even for those outlets that are conservative leaning, such as the Orange County Register (*some* argue that its right leaning, at least. It’s debatable on whether or not its right leaning socially.). A wide swath of it is very much left wing as well: NBC, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, New York Times, Los Angeles Times…these guys are off the charts in their love for all things Lefty.
Blogging undercuts that. It levels the playing field. Time and time again, bloggers have called the old media out on their bias and have kept them honest…well, at least more honest than they would be without the blogosphere.
You’d better watch what you publish, because bloggers will fact check your a**.
George Whitfield was known for his innovative methods at spreading the Gospel message. He made great use of newspapers, which many preachers of the time didn’t. He preached open air outside of churches. This was something the pastors of older, established churches weren’t willing to do very much. As a result, he was a key instigator in the Great Awakening in both Britain and the American colonies. He displayed innovation at a time when it was sorely needed.
pic courtesy of wikipedia
Christians and conservatives need to do the same today. For all its downfalls, the internet and the blogosphere specifically offer us an unprecedented opportunity. Through blogs, we can reach countless numbers who would never walk through the doors of a church. Will we embrace the opportunity and be on the cutting edge, or will we stay with the dinosaurs?
Click on parts one through three (links above) of this series to see how we can *wisely* embrace such opportunities.
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Read parts one and two of this series here: I and II.
Albert Mohler and John Mark Reynolds both have excellent suggestions on how to get our electronic media habits under control. Mohler’s piece is especially pertinent to parents. I recommend you read and devour both in their entirety. Read them here and here, respectively.
Like I mentioned a few days ago, this isn’t the beginning of the end of civilization. All we need is a little wisdom and moderation. We just have to start thinking about what our minds and souls imbibe, that’s all.
But though this issue doesn’t mean the end of the world, it is very important. Afterall, the ones who are most negatively affected by the plugged in life–teenagers–are tomorrow’s leaders, teachers, and church pastors. We can’t afford continued neglect.
I will say that I struggle with this, especially since starting this blog. It has become quite a demanding mistress. I will need to develop more discipline if I am to avoid some of the pitfalls I noted in my last post. I struggle particularly with implementing Reynolds’ third suggestion. I’m constantly checking my blog, email, and stumbleupon page.
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Today I want to comment on ways that over exposure to media has hurt us and, more importantly, children and teenagers.
Immediately, when I suggest there could be negative effects of media, many think, “every time teachers, parents, and pundits get worried about something, nothing comes of it.”
Well, sometimes there’s a bit of truth to that, but in this case, as John Mark Reynolds suggests, a “tipping point” has been reached where we do have cause for concern.
Perhaps the biggest negative effect that electronic media has had on teenagers specifically is evident when you ask, “if teens are spending an average of 45 hours a week plugged in, what are they *not* spending time doing?” Answer: they are not spending time with their parents. This puts the TV, the internet, or the peer group “in loco parentis”.
Secondly, they aren’t reading, spending solitude time, or developing a devotional life. Its sad to see a myspace profile that has mounds and mounds of titles listed under the “movies” section, but the books section says something like, “ya, I don’t do books.” You can see this on teens’ and adults’ profiles, on Christians’ and non-Christians’ profiles.
Electronic media has had many other effects too.
Have you ever tried to have a worthwhile conversation with someone while he’s playing a video game or while he’s listening to his IPOD? If you have, then I’m willing to bet you have one word (at least) to describe that experience: frustrating.
I know what my students say: “but I can listen to my IPOD and interact with people just fine! Seriously, it helps me study.” Then why do people typically turn down the radio in their cars when they are trying to follow carefully crafted directions or when they want to concentrate on something?
I work with teenagers all the time, and I see the way such things affect them. When they are texting, or have their IPODS on, or whatever, they are in the classroom, but they aren’t really there. You catch my drift?
One could argue that they aren’t there no matter what, but I see evidence that this tendency to cognitively float around is only exacerbated by being plugged in. No matter what such IPOD junkies suggest, I see the proof, and I will die on that hill before I believe them.
Really, how could someone even suggest that, when they are on myspace, listening to their IPOD, watching TV, and instant messaging a friend (often at the same time!), that they can write a quality essay, just as quality as it would be if they were writing it undistracted? Such a thought is laughable. Sure, having soft music in the background might help out, but we’re talking about a whole different level of multitasking, folks.
There’s evidence that suggests that such multi-tasking changes the way the brian functions. One’s ability to follow a logical argument deteriorates, and it is easier to be manipulated by images and emotions. I’m telling you, even when they aren’t plugged in, folks, especially teens, who are immersed in media have a hard time settling. It comes with the age, of course, but again, electronic media exacerbates the phenomenon. When I start a lecture, I have about 30 seconds to get their attention. If I fail at that, they become bored and distracted, and they tune out.
It is very, very difficult to tune them into the deep things. Entertainment is their bottom line.
Dealing with silence is yet another hard task for the media saturated. I’ve talked with countless people who frequently use IPODS, and almost all of them state uncategorically that thinking in silence is difficult for them. Its almost like IPODS are an addictive drug.
A steady diet of electronic media changes how you relate to people too: ever take a gander at the comments section on blogs? Online communication doesn’t bode too well for civility. Its not a stretch to see that if someone socializes mostly online, that will affect how they relate to others in the real world too…and online is how many teenagers socialize these days.
Such coarse social relations online has even given rise to a new word: cyberbullying.
Also, there is a downside to blogging specifically. If a person’s main reading consumption is through blogs online, how will that affect their ability to read longer pieces, especially if that longer piece weaves a complicated logical argument?
Reynolds asks:
“Mental development takes time and practice. What if nobody takes the time? Could it be that we are marketing habits to young adults that are not helpful?”
Then he adds:
“Mental acuity and attention are skills that can degrade. If you don’t read a long book for a while, then it is harder to read a long book when you finally pick one up.”
I think he’s spot on. Blogs and other online media specialize in the quickie genre, where skimming is the norm. Readers tend to shy away from longer, more thoughtful pieces. Before I started Pugnacious, I blogged on myspace. In reaction to my blogs, I regularly received the comment, “I usually don’t read your stuff. It’s too long, and I just can’t do it.” This was in response to pieces that were no longer than this post.
If they say that about my posts, what are they to do when they encounter the Bible, or Homer, or Socrates? I weep for them.
What’s the solution to these negative effects? Obviously it isn’t to go Amish. Moderation is the key. This is the subject of tomorrow’s post!
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Lately I’ve been doing tons of reading on blogging. I’ve read everything from tips on running a blog to articles on different social media websites (like Stumbleupon) to what SEO is to…you name it, if its about blogging, I’ve been reading it.
This has been such an interesting learning experience. I’m having a blast jumping right into the blog world.
I’m finding out that though there are obvious differences (real life communication is, uhhh, face to face, which makes it a little more personal. Things on the web tend to be less cordial. People say things that they wouldn’t dream of if they were face to face with the person), the blogosphere functions a lot like the social world outside the web.
Basically, its all about relationships.
In the real world, if you want to make a business venture successful, you gotta network. You gotta get out there, mingle around and rub shoulders with people. You gotta be nice, help others out, do a few favors. Those who are merely self-focused quickly get ignored and left behind. The “favor bank principle” applies just as much in the blogging world than it does in the real world.
Along those lines, most people I’ve consulted say the same things about building your blog. A few of the commonalities are:
1) Linking out.
2) Commenting on other’s sites
3) Featuring other bloggers on your blog
4) Belonging to social media sites
5) The little things build up to make a big difference, things like your avatar (first impressions!), the professional look of your blog, etc.
6) Frequent quality posts keep them coming back.
In summary, a combination of effective advertising and great writing pays dividends over time. One without the other yields diminishing returns.
Here is a list of some of the best articles I’ve read so far (the titles are pretty self explanatory, so I’m not going to add any commentary myself):
Ever since I started this blog a little over 2 weeks ago, I have jumped headlong into the social media world.
Man alive, this stuff can be befuddling….but highly, highly interesting and addictive too.
One website I’ve encountered is StumbleUpon (Thanks, Koka Sexton…I blame my grade slippage on you.)
StumbleUpon is an awesome site. When you sign up, you indicate what things interest you. Then, after downloading a toolbar to your computer, you can click on an icon in the toolbar. S.U will then take you to a website that aligns with the interests you indicated. You can give positive or negative reviews; the more positive reviews you give, the better S.U can send you websites you enjoy.
I’ve only been on S.U for a little over a week, and I’ve already found some gems.
Another part of S.U is the social aspect of it. Like Myspace and Facebook, you can connect with other people, rummaging through the sites they review.
This can be the tricky part of S.U. In the small amount of time I’ve been a member, I’ve learned that making friends on this (or any) social media site is much like making friends in the real world.
I started out just making a friend request to anyone I could find. This did not give good results, however. And why would it? Would you just go up to a random chick on the street and say, “hey, lets be friends”? She doesn’t know you from Adam. If she’s normal, she’ll be freaked out.
Adam
Contrary to that, here is a much better way to befriend people on S.U:
First, keep in mind that first impression is everything. Therefore, it helps to have a good picture of yourself as your avatar, and at least have a blurb or two about you on your page…but not too much. A paragraph is enough. It is also good to send an email along with your friend request. This serves a dual function: 1) it gives them a heads up, and it serves as a formal introduction, much like a handshake and smile does in the real world. Without the email, you risk just coming off as creepy or self-serving. People might wonder “what’s this guy’s angle?” They still might wonder that with the email, but it goes far in overcoming online rudeness.
Secondly, take the time in the email to be cordial. A simple, “Hi, I don’t know you, but judging from your stumbles, it seems like we have common interests,” is a good start. Then proceed to list a few connections. Above all, be genuine! Compliment the person on a stumble or two. A little goes a long way.
Personally, I’m much more likely to warm up to a stranger knowing we share something in common and if he’s genuine. If someone comes up to me cold on the street, I immediately wonder “what is he selling?”
I’m willing to bet I’m not alone in that.
Lastly, keep in mind that not everyone is there for the social aspect of it. Some folks just want to stumble through pages and be left alone. That being said, if someone ignores your friend request, it’s all good; don’t take it personal, and move on.
If you keep these few tips in mind, your StumbeUpon experience will be much richer.
I’ve been doing a lot of research lately on blogging. I’m pretty green at it, and need all the help I can get. Koka Sexton’s post on social media links has helped me a lot, so I’m posting the list here for you all.
