Who's in Your Social Network?

Online social networking is just a normal part of life for most teens, but many discover too late that uncritical participation can lead to distorted relationships and even stunted personal character.  Pam Stenzel, internationally known motivational speaker who is an abstinence advocate and youth expert that speaks to over 500,000 youth each year, says, “We are immerse in a society driven by technology…From the time you get up in the morning to the minute you fall asleep at night, you are bombarded with media.” But, Stenzel poses the question, “What do you choose to watch/listen to?” The statistics for how much time our youth are spending on social networking and modern media is alarming. On average, the number of hours of media consumed per day is 7.5 hours. When “multitasking” is included, the number jumps to 10 hours and 45 minutes!

In her new book, Who’s In Your Social Network? (Regal, January 2012), Stenzel addresses the need to reevaluate what type of media we are allowing ourselves to be exposed to, and ask ourselves the question, “Is this helping me to glorify God, or am I just trying to be part of the “in crowd.” She also reminds us that our time is precious, and while social networking in and of itself, isn’t bad, we need to be careful to use it in moderation and to make sure there is a good balance in our lives. Her hope for this book is that it bring healing to your past and help raise awareness for the future; to no longer see the media as something to fear or question, but rather feel empowered to make healthy choices and used media for your benefit and HIS glory.

Who’s In Your Social Network? will identify and discuss the following issues:

• Online bullying
• Sexting and Pornography
• Who we should and shouldn’t invite into our social network?
• Video gaming—when fantasy turns to reality
• How to make sure we use modern media in a way that glorifies God

To listen to my conversation with Pam click here.  To hear my previous interview with her click here.