As if we need another addictive compulsion to deal with in this fast-paced, tolerant world.
For the past several years, I’ve been avoiding social networking websites like the plague. “Why bother?” I asked. “I don’t need to be on some website to be ‘a friend’.” But when five people asked me within a week’s time if I were on Facebook, I knew I could no longer ignore the new millennium.
After inputting my high school and college information, I moved to the next page, and wow! I had been teleported into the past. There before me were pictures of friends and acquaintances from high school who I hadn’t spoken to in, well, suffice it to say a number of years. I was in a new world, and I liked it!
My first session lasted several hours as I perused my new Facebook page, now a proud bona-fide member of this new club. I went through my email list and typed in email address after email address in the “search for people” box. Friend after friend popped up on my screen. I had no idea the number of people I knew who were on Facebook. I felt like I had arrived to the party late.
I timidly clicked on “Add as Friend” next to their name, requesting their friendship and waited for their response. I had never asked anyone to be my friend before. Either you hit it off and became friends, or you didn’t. What if someone denied me, deciding he or she didn’t want me as a friend? I felt so vulnerable, holding my heart out to either be accepted or rejected.
With each email notification of acceptance, however, I began feeling empowered…like I belonged. I vacillated between checking my emails and my new Facebook page with my growing list of friends. Has the advancement of technology served to enable our innate desire to fellowship?
Looking at the clock, I knew I must stop, but it was like an addiction. I kept telling myself, “In a few minutes,” but I just couldn’t tear myself away. I knew I was hooked. What a powerful new drug, this Facebook.
I began to feeling guilty, wondering if Facebook was indeed a forbidden fruit that I should have never tasted. Then nostalgia would surface as I looked at all the past friendships that could possibly be rekindled.
“Nah.” I said to myself. “A little indulgence now and then won’t hurt.”
About the author...
Sherrie Clark is a licensed clinical Christian counselor and a licensed clinical pastoral counselor through National Christian Counselors Association. She is co-founder and vice-chair of Oasis of Peace, a Christian ministry for victims of abuse and their children, and a public speaker, former foster parent, and former police officer. Sherrie, her husband, four sons, and adoptive daughter live in Jacksonville, Florida, where she continues to minister to those who need help.
Contact her at: SV.Clark@comcast.net
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