Teens and BlogsI was doing some research on teens and blogs the other day and came across
an article that cites some interesting stats and info on teens and blogs...the stats come from David Huffaker of Northwestern University, a reasearcher of teens and online communities:
- This "blogosphere," experts say, has an estimated 2 million to 4 million personal journals, with kids ages 13 to 19 maintaining about half of them.
That means 1-2 million teens are communicating through the use of blogs...what a huge ministry outlet this could be, and probably should be...I have had a number of my students ask me questions based on something they have read on this blog...that's very much cool!...not sure how many of the kids in my youth group have blogs, but I am working to find out...it seems, according to what I have read, that teens will be much more open and honest about their lives on a blog than they would be face-to-face...we who work with youth should use this resource to get inside the minds and hearts of our youth...
2 comments:
Fitz,
Hmm...I find the perception that teens will be more honest and open on a blog than they will be face to face to indicate a major ministry opportunity as well. But at the same time, it seems to be unfortunate that virtual intimate sharing is more comfortable than a face to face relationship with someone. the latter is much more risky because of the visual feedback--"if I share 'x', will I receive an approving or merciful or supportive response, or a condemning one?". And yet, the risk comes with potential reward: there's nothing more life-giving that raw face to face vulnerability that is received with love, understanding, real listening and genuine mercy and supportiveness. At the same time, people have avoided this kind of intimacy for a while. Writing a letter to someone is much less threatening than speaking in person as well...perhaps the fears and challenges have existed all along, but the technologies have simply upgraded. Worth pondering is how we help the virtual become a bridge rather than a barrier to more authentic personhood and community. This is where the exciting open door for ministry exists (check Colossians 4:3).
Guy
PS, Let me just add that I think the perception that we will be more open and honest on a blog (perhaps a comment on a blog?) that face to face is true of many adults as well as many teens.
Guy
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