Book Review: Will You Be My Facebook Friend? by Tim Chester

This was an interesting book.  At less than fifty pages, it was definitely a quick read.  I found how I was reacting to it surprising given there isn’t much time to react.  Half way through this book I found myself seeing things that I know I need to work on.  Do I let Facebook interrupt other activities?  Yes, because sometimes I read in front of the computer. That needs to stop unless I’m looking something up as I read.  Do I spend too much time checking Facebook?  According to the author, yes I do.  The reality is I probably do, but do I spend the day on Facebook when I could be doing something else? No.

Good points were made.  People do not seem to realize that there are real people reading their comments and getting hurt by their words.  I’ve always said that.  People will say things to or about people on the computer that they would not say face to face.  I’ve never understood that, but it is the truth.  I am a huge proponent for making sure our children are safe on the internet, do not spent so much time on it that they are distracted from the real world and put online relationships before real ones.  I did like the twelve guidelines for social media in the back of the book, although I didn’t agree with all of them.

I found the author to lean a little heavily on the anti-Facebook side of the argument though. Benefits of Facebook received a passing mention but dangers and problems were the primary target.  The author wants the reader to remember that God’s Word is where are focus should be and not reading mundane posts (or tweets) about dinner, etc.  That memorizing verses from the Bible is essential.  And I agree with all of that.  But if you go on my facebook news feed, you will see Bible verses.  You will see prayer requests.  You will see announcements of what is happening in church, upcoming events, pictures of past events, people encouraging each other, articles regarding Christianity and how to talk with non-Christians about faith.  Yes, there are other things on my wall – some politics, funny stories about my daughter or my pets.  Sharing. But also trying to shine God’s light? Absolutely. 

The way the author described concentrating on real life relationships almost made it sound like you should forget about old relationships if there can’t be face to face contact.  I’m sure that’s not what was meant, but that’s how it sounded.  I have a host of family members that live in Alabama that I would not have as much contact with if it wasn’t for Facebook.  Facebook can bring people together as well.

There are definite problems with social media.  But it can also be used for the greater good, to spread and teach God’s Word.  And if just one person finds Jesus through something that is said on Facebook, I think it is worth it.   With Facebook, as with everything else, you just need to learn moderation.

** I need to add that I received this book free from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for writing a fair review.**