Shane Hipps – Virtual Community
Yesterday, Mark posted a clip of Jonny Baker talking about the way communities are being formed through new media, specifically web 2.0. In the clip above, author Shane Hipps shares his doubts that online communities actually help foster real community.
Shane tends to be somewhat skeptical about the use of media, specifically the unintended effects it can have on its users. I’m reading his book, Flickering Pixels, right now, and so far I wish he was a bit more optimistic. I wish his approach was more like Jonny Baker’s.
But truth is, I need Shane’s voice in my world. Maybe even more than Jonny’s. Why? As one friend puts it, I tend to like “shiny things”. I like things that are new, exciting, and full of possibility. Sometimes it’s hard for me to stop and think about the unintended negative effects and potential pitfalls of those shiny things.
If I’m going to be someone who thinks and dreams and talks about the ways the Church can use new technology to foster community, I also need to think about what that technology is actually doing to community along the way.
03/26/2009 at 10:43 am
Interesting perspectives (here and in previous post). I tend to agree that without the elements described by Shane, there isn’t a true community. Technology is an amazing tool and can help connect us to one another, but it is still just a tool. Technology allows me to quickly share a need or prayer request, but it is those ‘flesh & blood’ responses that make an impact on my life and allow me to impact others. Connections made through technology can inspire & challenge, and can even birth a ‘flesh & blood’ community if participants are moved to do so; otherwise, there is very little personal risk or investment on the part of the participant. It IS safe and comfortable, but is it authentic?
In The Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:36-37, Jesus asks, “‘Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’”
P.S. ‘Hi!’ to you both. Hope you & yours are all doing well.