Internet Addiction Disorder

I recently de-activated my Facebook account after four years of marginal use and utmost irritation. I have to say I would categorize the majority of stuff posted on my wall as narcissistic! (If self-promotion is not one of the seven deadly sins, it should be!)

For the last few years, members of the American Psychiatric Association have argued whether to designate “Internet Addiction” a mental disorder. A new study suggests that social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter are more difficult to resist than cigarettes or alcohol.

The same study reveals that nearly forty percent of Facebook users admitted to online arrogance, defined as making themselves look good to others. Or, they admit posting something that would make others jealous. Yes, I understand that Facebook can keep us connected and is used in positive ways. But if  we're not mindful, it will lead us down the path of gossip, jealousy, obsession, and procrastination, keeping us from making the best use of our time (Eph 5:16).

How Many Friends Do YOU Have on Facebook?

In this week’s USA Today, an article entitled “Are Students Today More Narcissistic?” caught my attention. In a survey on “narcissism,” two-thirds of college students said their generation uses social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter for self-promotion and attention-seeking. According to the researchers, the survey shows a substantial increase in narcissism from Generation X.

While I have no doubt the Millennial generation has perfected its own style of self-expression, they are not unique. My generation (Baby Boomers) had its own excesses in self-expression and attention grabbing. Back in the 60’s, everyone must have thought the “cult” of self-expression had reached its zenith, with its unrestrained self-gratification and hedonism.

Come to think of it, the human condition hasn’t changed much, has it? From the time of Babel, self-serving, narcissistic men have been seeking attention and promotion.

Using today’s networking jargon, the Genesis 3 account might go something like this: In the Garden there were two social networking systems—one was called “God-Promotion,” the other “Self-Promotion.” Satan said to Eve: “if you sign up for my “self-promoting” network, you will be able to control your destiny—you will be popular; many people will pay attention to you.” Well, you know which one she chose!

Think about this: Christians began “social networking” 2,000 years ago. By a network of brothers and sisters, an organism called the Body of Christ! And its purpose was to promote Jesus!

(BTW, how many times a day do you check to see if your friends have written on your wall?!)