Comments on: Nurturing Intimacy in a Facebook Generation http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/ Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:03:47 -0700 hourly 1 By: Big Momma http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-6685 Big Momma Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:12:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-6685 Wow! I am so happy to be living in a day an age where technology allows us to keep in touch with long lost friends that we would have never found otherwise. What a blessing that God ordained us for such a time as this... to use all of this technology for his glory. Wow! I am so happy to be living in a day an age where technology allows us to keep in touch with long lost friends that we would have never found otherwise. What a blessing that God ordained us for such a time as this… to use all of this technology for his glory.

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4989 Anonymous Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:39:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4989 Thanks for that challenging post, Natalie.<br/>I enjoy facebook for keeping up with friends, yet you're very right...it's too easy to fall into the trap of letting virtual communication predominate how one gets to know a friend better. It'd be amazing if the few of us who are passionate about deeper, significant friendships (not on-the-surface, instant gratification, give me a 1 minute summary of who you are/what you're doing/and how you're doing type of relationships) would start a revolution. Thanks for that challenging post, Natalie.
I enjoy facebook for keeping up with friends, yet you’re very right…it’s too easy to fall into the trap of letting virtual communication predominate how one gets to know a friend better. It’d be amazing if the few of us who are passionate about deeper, significant friendships (not on-the-surface, instant gratification, give me a 1 minute summary of who you are/what you’re doing/and how you’re doing type of relationships) would start a revolution.

]]> By: Diamond http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4761 Diamond Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:09:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4761 Thank you so much for this post!!! I spend a lot more time with the internet than I do with family, Friends, and God. Thank you so much for this post!!! I spend a lot more time with the internet than I do with family, Friends, and God.

]]> By: Lindsey http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4649 Lindsey Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:12:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4649 Wow! <br/>How did you know that's exactly what I have been mulling over lately? I agree 100%! <br/><br/>"Never before in the history of mankind have we had so many gadgets and methods of communicating with one another...and never in the history of mankind have we been so disconnected and alien to one another."<br/><br/>I don't remember where I saw that or who said it, but it sure struck me as truth! <br/><br/>Thanks for sharing this, Natalie! Wow!
How did you know that’s exactly what I have been mulling over lately? I agree 100%!

“Never before in the history of mankind have we had so many gadgets and methods of communicating with one another…and never in the history of mankind have we been so disconnected and alien to one another.”

I don’t remember where I saw that or who said it, but it sure struck me as truth!

Thanks for sharing this, Natalie!

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4630 Anonymous Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:31:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4630 I had to add this comment when I saw it in March 2007 of Reader's Digest: "A recent survey reported that 27% of Americans take their cell phones to the bathroom, an indication that reading is definitely becoming a lost art."<br/><br/>Wow! Take that for a reality check. But they should see my library! I had to add this comment when I saw it in March 2007 of Reader’s Digest: “A recent survey reported that 27% of Americans take their cell phones to the bathroom, an indication that reading is definitely becoming a lost art.”

Wow! Take that for a reality check. But they should see my library!

]]> By: Samantha R. http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4627 Samantha R. Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:50:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4627 Natalie,<br/>I couldn't agree more!!<br/>The friends I am closest to are the ones that I actually communicate with- in person, through long handwritten letters, and telephone calls. The internet doesn't even compare (in most cases). Though there is one or two special friends that I have met through the internet and therefore I'm incredibly thankful for the internet because without it, I might have never met these "heart friends". <br/>I think moderation is the key for most things, including online time. We really do need to make sure it's NOT the most important thing in our life. I, for one, would rather spend time outside or curled up with a good book or talking to my family and friends.<br/>Thank you for this insightful article! While I don't have a Facebook account, I do have a live journal account.... which is somewhat similiar.<br/>I'm heading over to visit Lanier's Books just as soon as I can! ;)<br/>God Bless,<br/>~Samantha Natalie,
I couldn’t agree more!!
The friends I am closest to are the ones that I actually communicate with- in person, through long handwritten letters, and telephone calls. The internet doesn’t even compare (in most cases). Though there is one or two special friends that I have met through the internet and therefore I’m incredibly thankful for the internet because without it, I might have never met these “heart friends”.
I think moderation is the key for most things, including online time. We really do need to make sure it’s NOT the most important thing in our life. I, for one, would rather spend time outside or curled up with a good book or talking to my family and friends.
Thank you for this insightful article! While I don’t have a Facebook account, I do have a live journal account…. which is somewhat similiar.
I’m heading over to visit Lanier’s Books just as soon as I can! ;)
God Bless,
~Samantha

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4626 Anonymous Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:19:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4626 Amen. Amen.

]]> By: Jen http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4622 Jen Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:26:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4622 So true, and very well put. Balance is key, as well as having priorities in order. I know that I have a problem with using the internet to take up "bored time" that could be much better used productively. <br/>Thank you for this. So true, and very well put. Balance is key, as well as having priorities in order. I know that I have a problem with using the internet to take up “bored time” that could be much better used productively.
Thank you for this.

]]> By: Mod Girl http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4621 Mod Girl Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:47:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4621 While Facebook and other social networking sites are a great way to keep in touch with family and friends separated by time and distance, something is "off" if one is investing as much time or more time in those relationships via the web rather than in face-to-face, local relationships.<br/><br/>Relationships with those we are separated from ARE important but nurturing relationships with people that you encounter personally, everday are equally important.<br/><br/>I love the last part of Proverbs 27:10, "better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away." While Facebook and other social networking sites are a great way to keep in touch with family and friends separated by time and distance, something is “off” if one is investing as much time or more time in those relationships via the web rather than in face-to-face, local relationships.

Relationships with those we are separated from ARE important but nurturing relationships with people that you encounter personally, everday are equally important.

I love the last part of Proverbs 27:10, “better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.”

]]> By: Rachel http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4619 Rachel Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:08:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4619 Wow, this is definitely a topic that catches the interest of a graduate student of communication, and someone who is simply fascinated with human interaction and new media in general. :)<br/><br/>As Joelle mentioned, many of the new Internet media can be a blessing. I love the fact that a medium such as Facebook can help me to connect and re-connect with friends and family who are geographically distant. As a college junior, I started a Facebook group for homeschooled graduates at my university, and as a result, ended up meeting several wonderful people in person.<br/><br/>But as you said, there is also the danger that we will allow new media to sap our time and energy, and to contribute to our own innate selfishness and self-obsession. <br/><br/>Any media, whether old or new, has the potential for good or evil. The choice is ours as to how we use (or abuse) it, and we must ultimately accept responsibility for that choice. Wow, this is definitely a topic that catches the interest of a graduate student of communication, and someone who is simply fascinated with human interaction and new media in general. :)

As Joelle mentioned, many of the new Internet media can be a blessing. I love the fact that a medium such as Facebook can help me to connect and re-connect with friends and family who are geographically distant. As a college junior, I started a Facebook group for homeschooled graduates at my university, and as a result, ended up meeting several wonderful people in person.

But as you said, there is also the danger that we will allow new media to sap our time and energy, and to contribute to our own innate selfishness and self-obsession.

Any media, whether old or new, has the potential for good or evil. The choice is ours as to how we use (or abuse) it, and we must ultimately accept responsibility for that choice.

]]> By: Sofia http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4618 Sofia Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:16:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4618 Hi Natalie! I'm worse than what you described since I usually only read and don't contribute or communicate much on the internet... And I used the internet a lot! I realized that it took way too much of my time and since July I don't have access to the internet from my place. And what a blessing that has been/is!!! I use internet at work to pay bills, write emails, read blogs, and usually spend part of my lunch for that. Sometimes I come early or stay a little later, but not often. I have stopped reading most blogs(YLCF is one I still check daily though=)), and hardly ever watch YouTube or other movie clips, except at my parents' once a month or so. My time is now spent with friends or family, baking, reading books, talking on the phone, cooking, knitting, listening to the radio and a lot more. Sometimes I miss it, but for the most part I feel so free!=) I don't know if I'll ever have internet at home again, I'll definitely pray about it for a long time before deciding. <br/><br/>God's peace,<br/><br/>Sofia from Sweden Hi Natalie! I’m worse than what you described since I usually only read and don’t contribute or communicate much on the internet… And I used the internet a lot! I realized that it took way too much of my time and since July I don’t have access to the internet from my place. And what a blessing that has been/is!!! I use internet at work to pay bills, write emails, read blogs, and usually spend part of my lunch for that. Sometimes I come early or stay a little later, but not often. I have stopped reading most blogs(YLCF is one I still check daily though=)), and hardly ever watch YouTube or other movie clips, except at my parents’ once a month or so. My time is now spent with friends or family, baking, reading books, talking on the phone, cooking, knitting, listening to the radio and a lot more. Sometimes I miss it, but for the most part I feel so free!=) I don’t know if I’ll ever have internet at home again, I’ll definitely pray about it for a long time before deciding.

God’s peace,

Sofia from Sweden

]]> By: Rachel Starr Thomson http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4617 Rachel Starr Thomson Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:23:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4617 Excellent thoughts, Natalie! Recently I found myself struggling with a sense of oppression and worldliness--this despite the fact that I live in a largely self-contained bubble with my work and my wonderful family. I realized that I was letting the world in through the internet. All the headlines, all the newsletters, all the pressures I didn't need to have. I've been trying to cut back... to simplify. It IS making a difference. YLCF is one of the few places I still visit on a regular basis. Thanks for being a blessing. Excellent thoughts, Natalie! Recently I found myself struggling with a sense of oppression and worldliness–this despite the fact that I live in a largely self-contained bubble with my work and my wonderful family. I realized that I was letting the world in through the internet. All the headlines, all the newsletters, all the pressures I didn’t need to have. I’ve been trying to cut back… to simplify. It IS making a difference. YLCF is one of the few places I still visit on a regular basis. Thanks for being a blessing.

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4616 Anonymous Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:22:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4616 you have a lot of wisdom, natalie. thank you for the post; i know a lot of us need to hear it. ~monica you have a lot of wisdom, natalie. thank you for the post; i know a lot of us need to hear it. ~monica

]]> By: Everly Pleasant http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4614 Everly Pleasant Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:38:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4614 Dear Natalie,<br/>I delayed reading this post because I was ignorant to how interesting it would be! Rarely does anyone speak my mind quite so clearly. I agree 100% with everything you said. I don't have facebook or myspace or anything for that particular reason. I began to blog in September and adore it but also began a "snail mail camapain" and find much enjoyment in my actual paper letters in the box...more so than the common square which pops up in my inbox. Drink that tea! Read that Plato! <br/>Everly Pleasant Dear Natalie,
I delayed reading this post because I was ignorant to how interesting it would be! Rarely does anyone speak my mind quite so clearly. I agree 100% with everything you said. I don’t have facebook or myspace or anything for that particular reason. I began to blog in September and adore it but also began a “snail mail camapain” and find much enjoyment in my actual paper letters in the box…more so than the common square which pops up in my inbox. Drink that tea! Read that Plato!
Everly Pleasant

]]> By: Joelle http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4613 Joelle Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:49:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4613 I do agree that news and friendly updates appear much more shallow at the level that most people communicate on these social networks and "new media". I definitely prefer receiving even a friendly, personal email versus a posting on MySpace or Facebook!<br/>However, I believe that social networks do give some benefits, especially for those of us whose families (and/ or friends) are across the country. Take an example of YouTube (which is a similar up-and-coming social network like Facebook). Moments after I was proposed to (by the guy who's now my husband), he took a short amateur video clip of me still sniffling with a huge grin. We were able to share this with our family and friends across the country since many of them were not local and it was impossible to share the news with them in person. To date, it has been watched 647 times.<br/>I believe, like you said, communication over "new media" must be in moderation, and definitely should not replace personal contact and caring between family and friends. I do agree that news and friendly updates appear much more shallow at the level that most people communicate on these social networks and “new media”. I definitely prefer receiving even a friendly, personal email versus a posting on MySpace or Facebook!
However, I believe that social networks do give some benefits, especially for those of us whose families (and/ or friends) are across the country. Take an example of YouTube (which is a similar up-and-coming social network like Facebook). Moments after I was proposed to (by the guy who’s now my husband), he took a short amateur video clip of me still sniffling with a huge grin. We were able to share this with our family and friends across the country since many of them were not local and it was impossible to share the news with them in person. To date, it has been watched 647 times.
I believe, like you said, communication over “new media” must be in moderation, and definitely should not replace personal contact and caring between family and friends.

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4612 Anonymous Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:42:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4612 ...what you say is true. I'm inspired. Thank you! Debbie …what you say is true. I’m inspired. Thank you! Debbie

]]> By: Sara N. Smith http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4611 Sara N. Smith Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:20:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4611 Very good reminder...it's all so true. It can be such a danger to get too invovled and addicted to something. Ultimately, moderation pleases our Saviour and it also keeps us focused on doing what it right and good! Very good reminder…it’s all so true. It can be such a danger to get too invovled and addicted to something. Ultimately, moderation pleases our Saviour and it also keeps us focused on doing what it right and good!

]]> By: Bernadine http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4610 Bernadine Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:08:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4610 Natalie, this is such a well written, thought provoking article. Thank you for sharing your heart. Natalie, this is such a well written, thought provoking article. Thank you for sharing your heart.

]]> By: Anonymous http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4609 Anonymous Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:52:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4609 Natalie, I am so glad you posted this. It really made me think and you pointed out some important stuff to think about.<br/><br/>I like Facebook, I'll be honest. I've found it to be a great way to stay in touch with friends that I don't live near. But after reading this post, I think I have a different perspective on it.<br/><br/>I really appreciated this post. Natalie, I am so glad you posted this. It really made me think and you pointed out some important stuff to think about.

I like Facebook, I’ll be honest. I’ve found it to be a great way to stay in touch with friends that I don’t live near. But after reading this post, I think I have a different perspective on it.

I really appreciated this post.

]]> By: Vanessa van der Meer http://ylcf.org/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-facebook/comment-page-1/#comment-4608 Vanessa van der Meer Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:42:00 +0000 http://ylcf.org/wordpress/2007/11/nurturing-intimacy-in-a-facebook-generation/#comment-4608 Amen Natalie!<br/><br/>I could not agree more. While I am blessed by the encouragement found on the internet (such as YLCF) it definitely could never replace real life relations. <br/>I always appreciate the reminder - similar to Josh Harris' "Cheating my Blog"<br/>Thanks for writing!<br/>Vanessa Amen Natalie!

I could not agree more. While I am blessed by the encouragement found on the internet (such as YLCF) it definitely could never replace real life relations.
I always appreciate the reminder – similar to Josh Harris’ “Cheating my Blog”
Thanks for writing!
Vanessa

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