It used to be very unusual for me to hear from someone I had not communicated with in years. Now, it occurs on a somewhat regular basis. More often than not, these contacts occur because of (and often through) social media. It is easier than ever to reconnect with someone you lost touch with some time ago and for whom you no longer have accurate contact information. The ease of finding and contacting someone means that some will leverage this opportunity for something apart from genuine reconnecting. In my experience, the people who have reached out to me have done so for a variety of reasons. The list, from most frequent to least frequent, follows:
- to seek some type of endorsement, reference, or recommendation
- to share a specific update related to a major life event
- to thank me for something I did or had a role in
- to attempt to reconnect/reestablish a friendship
So What?
I am encouraged by the increased use of social media to help reconnect individuals who have not communicated in years. The valid list of reasons for such is almost endless. Unfortunately, some people state an intention that differs from their actual desire (e.g., indicating a desire to catch up and remain in touch while doing so only to build rapport to facilitate the request of some type of endorsement, reference, or recommendation). As with most communication, honesty matters.
- What has been the most meaningful reconnection that you have experienced that was made possible by social media?
- Beyond those who misrepresent their intent, do you have any concerns about those who have or may seek to contact you after being absent from your life for many years?
- What are the implications of this aspect of social media for ministry?