Technology Update - Social Networking

For Dummies

As you may know, we just finished a three part front page series on Social Networking and the feedback has been great from the Christian community. Part I, focused on advice to parents, Part II on how to stay away from “Creepers,” and Part III on ways for Christians to use this technology. Parents are clamoring to understand the terms of this new technology and what it means to them and their families. This is NOT a fad, so don’t become irrelevant in cultural terms. Remember, we are in the world, but not of the world as Christians; but as Galatians 6:1 say, be careful not be tempted. Here is a review of some Social Networking terms:

Blogging: The word was shorted from Web Log and is an online “log” of the events of your life (e.g., Star Date 2066). Many blogs concentrate on a specific subject, like health, entertainment, etc. There are different types of blogs, but mostly those that allow comments and those that do not (one way). The successful blogs in terms of visitors are those that allow comments.

Blogging: This is simply a Blog is given via a video. It could be, “This is me going to the grocery, or to the airport, or simply in front of my computer.”

Facebook: This is the most successful social networking tool, ever. Users can join and interact with other people. People can also add friends and send them messages, upload photos and videos, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. FaceBook has over 200 Million users.

Texting: Refers brief written messages between mobile phones using the Short Message Service (SMS). The most common use is person-to-person messaging, but text messages are also used to order products and services for mobile phones, or participating in contests (e.g., American Idol). Messages are called "text messages" or "texts".

Messaging: Texting on mobile phones includes photos, videos, and sound content, and is called MMS (Multimedia Message Services).

Twitter: It seems a day does not go by without a mention of Twitter in the news. Twitter ties most of the above applications together. Now with your cell phone you can post a Tweet (Twitter message) of up to 140 characters (SMS only) and it will automatically appear on your Twitter account. This is what is called micro-blogging. Aston Kutcher, the actor has 2 Million followers on his Twitter account. He can be sitting by the pool, type a text message, connect it to his Twitter account, and reach 2 million people in a matter of seconds. It becomes even more powerful since Tweets interface with and will also show up on your FaceBook account. You can also put internet links (web links) on your Tweet messages to take people to other sites (e.g., YourTube.com) to give them more information. Finally, you can also post these on your website. Now you are reaching multiple people via a number of medium.

Gary Scarano, Founder of www.ReachOUT.tv, a Christian TV show & Founder and President of ROCC (www.ReachOutCom.com). ROCC is helping clients such Fox News Commentator Dr. Gerry Curatola (www.DrGerry.net); and the popular NJ Christian Concert series www.RevelationGeneration.org with their Social Networking needs.

Rev. Tim Hart is the Youth Director and Associate Pastor at the Christian Faith Center in Bloomfield NJ and the Executive Director of ReachOUT.tv.