What have you given up for Lent?
5th March 2009
Takeaways? Alcohol? Swearing? Many people will be 8 days in, perhaps finding giving up their vice difficult already. However, Italian priests have called on their followers to give up technology such as texting, social networking and computer games so Italy’s physical social interaction can dominate once again. Digital Birmingham’s very own Dave Harte has given up Twitter, but I don’t think the Archbishop of Modena had much to do with his decision……….
I have blogged about a similar thing before, whether some communication tools may have had an effect on how people stay in touch in the 21st Century, but it was a surprise to me that the Catholic Church has got in on the act. Italians send over 50 text messages per person every month, only second to the UK – not to mention the time spent on social networking sites and computer games.
But I think it would be extremely detrimental for young people to believe that social media, and personal devices such as mobile phones, were stunting their development and ability to communicate. As time passes, younger generations are becoming more at home with digital technology, I think this is extremely positive for our global future.
For some it is more often the only way they feel able to communicate. Some young people who are uncomfortable in social situations find it easier to interact with their peers online, which in fact helps them to develop their communication skills, and enables them to make new friends and keep up to date with what is going on around them.
Dave is an advocate for social media, of his sacrifice he says, “part of the reason I have given up Twitter for Lent is to demonstrate just how much it matters. It is now more difficult for me to be part of the ongoing conversations that I am interested in. Every tweet free day is a stuggle, but I will get there in the end! I will no doubt be on it all day on Easter Sunday though!”
The social media revolution is growing at a fast pace; text messages rates have shown no sign of decline. At Digital Birmingham we are using these networks more and more to communicate our message to Birmingham citizens and businesses, to keep them involved and engaged through digital technologies, so tweet away everyone!
PS: Dave will be back on Twitter soon!
