iSelf – The Need to be Followed
In the e-book “The Reason Your Church Must Twitter”, I warned about the perception of some that Twitter is polluted by narcissists who can’t wait to share inane details of their every move. These folks take literally the Twitter question of “What are you doing?” and apply it to the minutiae of their daily lives.
Some people love this kind of microscopic detail; others abhor it. Fortunately, it’s easy to follow – or unfollow – anyone on Twitter at any time, so the flow of information is entirely in your hands.
Still, I want to address a thought process brewing in the recesses of my mind about this need to be followed. Perhaps more accurately it’s a desire to be heard.
A solid, thought-provoking article was recently published by Relevant Magazine. In the article “The Problem of Pride in the Age of Twitter”, author Brett McCracken offers this food for thought:
There’s been a dissonance between who we are (boring, unknown) and what the media [or culture] has made us want to be (interesting, glamorous, famous). The result is a massive cultural longing to be known. Not by a few, but my many.
McCracken uses the term “iSelf” – with a nod towards Apple’s marketing genius – as a way to describe this self-obsessed culture.
Yet Twitter – or really any communications platform or tool – is nothing more than a tool. In perspective, the use of Twitter is akin to the use of money.
1 Timothy 6:10 talks about this: “For the love of money is a root of all evils;”
Money isn’t the problem; it’s the love of money and the greedy actions that come from it that cause the problems. Similarly, Twitter isn’t about narcissism; the way Twitter is used will determine if the content is self-centered or selfless.
So – the question remains: Do you have a need to be followed? Is your iSelf in check? Or are you selflessly using a fantastic communications tool to reach others, create community and edify the body of Christ?
Posted on January 29th, 2009, by Anthony Coppedge
Yet another great post Anthony, I have been giving this a lot of though over the last few days.. one thought that came to mind just last night was ” Is social networks the new porn/heroin/drug?” I mean there are far too many social network sites, that lure you in, get you hooked on their kewl-aid and drive you to keep searching for that one more person, follower, listener, whatever… like a drug pusher… the reality is these sites are not filing the ultimate need we all long for…to be loved unconditional, and this need can only be filled by Christ.
As I write this comment I’m led to do the iCheck on the iSelf and make sure that my intentions are connected to my hearts desire.. following Christ Jesus..and not the iCrowd.. thanks for helping to keep me inCheck…
Tim
http://twitter.com/goldeneye in-case you want to follow me.. lol