In 1998 I was asked to present a teaching on technology and media, from a Christian perspective. From 1999 through 2003, I presented that teaching at conferences in the US and Canada. It was nothing ground breaking, but it did scratch the surface of what would later become an increasingly powerful force in our society- the role of technology in our personal lives. One of the key themes that arose from this study was a concern that we do not allow technology to supplant our real relationships for information and connection that has no accountability. I summarized it this way:
Technology and media have increasingly become tools allowing us to communicate without the demands of real relationship. We are in constant danger of allowing ourselves to connect and engage without accountability.
This last week, I discovered an excellent TED talk on this same subject. Sherry Turkle's presentation is a poignant and well thought out consideration of how social technology is redefining the actual psychology of people and changing the otherwise normal development of conversation and self-reflection in the human personality. I found the points and conclusions she arrives at to be very profound. I felt that rather than bringing my points to bear on this, I would rather point to this TED talk, where Turkle does a great job of articulating the salient points.
From the viewpoint of this worship leader, pastor and Christian, I think she is touching some of the questions that our faith communities are meant to address (though, obviously through her perspective as a psychologist). I am not saying this presentation is from a "Christian" perspective (I don't know Turkle's influences or religious beliefs). But I am saying that she is pointing to the heart of what conversation, identity and relationship mean to the human psyche. At one point she even refers to the physical place in which we escape from technology as "sacred space"- very telling!
I don't expect everyone will agree with me in my admiration of Turkle's thesis in this video, but I think she has found wisdom in her study and it is simply a reflection of the wisdom we already see in God's word- that some of our core human needs are companionship, community and conversation.
I encourage you to watch this video and give your thoughts as it relates to your own faith journey, your local communities and expressions of ministry.
Sincerely
Kim Gentes