Artwork, Facebook, Faith 2.0, MySpace, Twitter, Web 2.0
Are you giving up Social-Networking this Lent?
The topic of giving up social networking for Lent has come up quite a bit. I have been pondering the idea for about a week-and-a-half now. I normally give up pop (that’s soda for you whom are living outside the Ohio limits ; ) Friends keep asking me what I am giving up for Lent and before I can reply they say, “Don’t tell me you are giving up pop again” (in that tone of voice too). “I think you should give up Twitter,” one friend uttered. To be honest, I didn’t like the sound of it, but upon further prayer and reflection, I have come to the conclusion that this would be the best thing for me to give up this Lent.
So for those like Lindsey Turrentine, the author of “How to give up Facebook for Lent and keep your friends” (who is not even Catholic) and myself, here are some Lenten avatars that you are welcome to use.
I will continue posting to the blog, but other than that, I’ll be focusing on Scripture study and Prayer this Lent.
Below are some related links to this topic:
- Poll Question: “Are you giving up social-networking for Lent?” [current results]
- Giving up Facebook for Lent? Read this first!
- Discerning Our Fasts
24 Feb 2009 Catholic Tech Tips
Thanks!
God Bless and Peace be with you.
~S~
But I also understand that the Internet can have a hold on people, and giving up aspects of our surfing habits can be good to get back self constraint, and spend that time with God, but I caution giving up the good social aspects, which is like giving up friends for Lent.
I plan on staying online during Lent, but to be more aware of the person on the other end of the tubes, to see them as people and not stop at the computer on the other end.
I’m glad you like them. Giving up Twitter during Lent will be tough for me, but I sense it will be quite fruitful.
George,
You bring up some great points, especially it being about relationships and not so much branding. Our physical relationships are equally important. I plan to spend more time with family and friends. I can’t remember the last time I’ve just hung out with friends, or taken a walk in our beautiful state park, or been on a real date with my wife, or written and mailed a hand-written letter to an old friend. Okay, I can remember when I’ve done these things and it was a long time ago. I think that giving up social networking will help me to focus more on Christ and spend time in deeper prayer with our Lord, than if I were to give up food.
God Bless,
Joshua
I just wanted to write and say hello. I’ve only just found out about your blog and came around to see it is as wonderful as I was told! I just started a new website for “web savvy Catholics” called Catholic Desktops. I’d love for you to stop on by and have a visit. Since it would be timely, you could let your readers know about our free “Ash Wednesday” icon/graphic!
I’d love to be able to contribute more in the future if you would like!
http://www.catholicdesktops.com
I made this little Java mobile app that has all the common prayers of the Catholic Church. It can be downloaded for free (during Lent! <- my Lenten contribution) from here:
Mobile Catholic Prayerbook
http://blvu.com/cpb/
Do spread the word :)
Thanks,
Antonia
[...] everybody, I’m suffering a lot right now. This Lent I’ve given up social networking, and then Matthew, the founder of FlockNote, goes and creates Tweet Catholic! Tweet Catholic [...]