Imagine my pleasant surprise to find several people (or just about the whole world!) on Facebook. Came across familiar faces from the past (from as far back in time as my kindergarten and elementary school years!). It was wonderful reestablishing contact with them. I also found several of my current friends on it, and it was so much fun being able to catch up with those whom I have not been able to see on a more regular basis, or those I have not communicated with in a long time. Viewing people's photo albums is always an enjoyable exercise, getting a look at both old and new pictures of them and their own families. Facebook also features Live Feed which makes it a lot more interactive. And although I am not into Farmville and have no intention of ever getting into it (besides, I have NO time!), I suppose it offers a form of "entertainment" and/or recreation for people who are "into" these things. Since activating my account, I have also joined several groups of people who share the same interests, etc which have been excellent in forming new 'friendships' as well; and groups where I have been able to share things from others that I am learning a lot from. No doubt about it: I was enjoying Facebook.
Nevertheless, the Facebook experience has not been entirely 'good.' Like most things, I guess, it does have it's 'bad' side. For one, it allows you to read people's exchange of comments. Sometimes this is a good thing because people can be very encouraging of others, but there are also other times when it can be quite off-putting. Once, at my leisure, I browsed through my own homepage and I had read through this person's shoutout wherein she was obviously intentionally being nasty and belittling towards another person. Then a few people started commenting and the whole exchange eventuated into foul language, but all of them evidently directed to the same person referred to in the shoutout. It was quite full-on: a number of people ganging up on one person - the kind of thing you'd expect to only hear about in highschool. But what was tragic to note (though somewhat a little funny) was that these people were (brace yourself!) in their 40's!! Seriously, it was such an ugly thing to "witness," to say the least. Notwithstanding the shock, I was personally disgusted and disillusioned. Hopefully it did not scandalize too many people, but it definitely left a very bad taste in my mouth. Consequently, I felt I had no choice but to remove these people from my list. I thought: if being uncharitable and malicious towards others is what they choose to busy themselves with, then I don't want any part in it, and I refuse to even read about it.
Admittedly, I have only been [active] in Facebook for less than 2 months, but after this eye-opening incident, it is rather obvious that some people do choose to use Facebook as an avenue to air hostility, malice, distasteful language, bitterness and other negativities. However, the good news for the rest of us is that online communities like this can also be a very powerful tool to start and build new relationships, strengthen old ones, inspire people and generally spread good cheer.
It all comes down to personal choice, I guess.. A choice clearly based on the kind of person one is.
Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things people need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ. (Ephesians 4:29-31)
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