Yesterday, I explored the ever changing social network map. Today, I want to explore the meaning of the map as a whole: to consider what social networking means to you based on your own experiences.
Spence Smith was the drummer for Big Tent Revival in the 1990s and has become a social networking guru in the 2000s. He currently works in artist relations for Compassion International and thinks of himself as “a connector, influencer, and thinker in the worlds of music, social networking and travel.” He recently shared his experience of social media:
That part of my life I show in order to connect with more people.
That part of my life where I can influence others.
That part of my life that loves building friendships where depth and meaning take on a whole new way of growing.
That part of my life when I go offline, I’m still able to engage my social network around me.
That part of my life where my circle of friends becomes many circles of friends and some of those circles are online.
That part of my life I can use to build trust with others.
That part of my life I can show my family and friends where I’ve been, where I’m going and what I’m thinking.
That part of my life that I can use to help keep me accountable to the goals I set for myself in a public forum. . .
That part of my life that allows me to connect…
To You.
So What?
For me, social networking is
An opportunity to learn more about myself and others than would otherwise be possible
A way to remain connected and to be virtually present at times when I would otherwise be absent
A reminder that I am a part of many different communities and that a part of being made in the image of God is relationality
What is social networking to you?