Social media is altering my life. Overall, I'd say it's improved it because I've “met” some really amazing people through blogging, twitter, and facebook. I feel many of them came into my life at the right time, with the right message, to do a great work within me. But I have to admit, I spend WAAAAYYY too much time online and really need to get out of my office occasionally. If I could find a little better balance, then I could say social media has IMPROVED my life. But for now, I'll stick with ALTERED.

About a year ago, I had to shut down my blog, twitter, and facebook, because I had trouble getting healthy boundaries on it. As a youth pastor for 20 years, my potential network was overwhelming. I backed off, took a media sabattical, and have re-engaged in a whole new way. I'm back on all three, but have a much better balance. I think when we understand they are tools, and not relationships, it's a big game changer.

I'm too busy to spend much time with social media. I do think it's a great tool though. I can keep in touch with people and especially through facebook, keep up with what friends are doing at the weird times I have available. I just let people know that I have limited time and the best way to contact me is phone, a message or email so there's no misunderstanding down the road.

makes sense to me. i like that!

thats really interesting jason…how long did you take a break for?

It has been a positive influence in my life. It has connected me with people from around the world who are like minded and heart-ed.

i would bet lots of peeps would relate with what you just said.

mmm…good question.

i would say, at times, all of the above.

improving my life = by all the new relationships that have been formed. oh how i have seen community rise, among people who've never physically met each other, to help a person in need. honestly…i've seen more “Church” on line than i do in church some weekends.

altering my life = by connecting me with people i normally would not have been connected with. when i first started blogging i was a part of the friendly christian website and met a lot of atheists. at that time i was very close minded. and…not nice. i shudder just thinking about who i was. but with consistent connection and dialogue i let down a bit. still maintaing my beliefs, but opening my heart and arms because that is love in action. good lesson, life altering lesson, for me.

destroying my life = yah. some days…i dont get anything done. =)

I found many of my old high school friends, which was quite refreshing. I've re established contact with family i've isolated myself from for years, which has been heartwarming. But to be honest…. i have over 200 friends….. i've never felt more lonely or isolated. I can look at my friends list and think ” wow i have over 200 friends, i'm pretty popular” but, very very very few of them have sat in my living room, shared a meal with me, or even given me a phone call… or answered one. It makes me wonder what's wrong with me in person. I”m ok on a screen, but not face to face? IDK

Improved. I've met Twitter friends that have become real friends. A few weeks ago I traveled to Atlanta from my place in Florida and spent time with 7-8 people that I probably never would have met were it not for Twitter.

I agree that social media can be a crutch and for some, I think it is an escape. People need healthy personal relationships and that won't happen if you're spending all of your time online.

A person can be handicapped by social media or empowered by it. It all depends on the person and how they go about using it.

What's a twitbooker?

Sounds like a bookie.

it's made a huge and positive impact on my life and the lives of others I've witnessed… I blogged about this last Friday because I was so powerfully impacted by the online community I'm a part of I think sometimes technology can still be used for good

thats great jenny!

its sort of like a FaceSpace.

sweet! good thots jay!

my wife Jennifer has found a lot of HS friends too on FB.

agree! its got the potential for all 3 for sure!

the international part is kind of fun!

Social media has improved my life and is altering my life.

Blogging has challenged me, encouraged me and widened my perspective. Twitter & blogging have introduced me and connected me with people new to me, and several of those friendships have become 'real' rather than 'virtual' ones. Facebook has put me back in touch with family members, and kept me connected with friends, and sped up the process of making new friends.

Though sometimes I've realised that I can hide out online if I'm not careful.

As long as I remember them as 'communication tools' and not crutches or conduits for acting out – they're all good.

Improved and altered. I was an early Internet adopter (1994), and having been online for this long I have learned a lot about how to set boundaries and keep myself safe and sane. Until the last couple of years I would have said altered because of connecting with others and learning new things. However. now I am moving to new stages where it is actually improving life because of ways I am reaching beyond where I ever have before, stepping into ministry avenues, and seeking to use them as the very best tools I can to serve God and/or prepare myself for that service. The changes didn't start online, they began elsewhere, but as I have left my broken past behind and have gained confidence in my identity as a daughter of God I am now finding ways to share that light and hope with others and using online/media tools to do that.

As much as it enhanced my life, it definitely did quite a bit of damage as well. I find that I get more bang for my buck in face to face relationships right now

Social media can not but help to alter – that's the point. Now, how much I allow access and priority will determine how much altering it does and if it's a good or bad thing. Sometimes, I'd admit it alters in negative effects. Awareness of that needs to become part of self-monitoring (or others assisting in that monitoring process – and I need to have the ears to listen to their input). The good altering is the expanded connection with people, ideas and movements that shape our character in godly ways. Like most things – it all is determined by how you approach it. Lots of great potential for individual and God's movement throughout the world is a great thing! May it alter us in a good way and alter His Church forward toward a more beautiful expression of the power of His grace!

Nah, I don't do any of 'em enough to matter.

all i can say is…congratulations!

i would just like to go on the record and say social media is destroying my life today…reading all your posts…im getting absolutely nothing done!

Facebook and Twitter have enhanced organizations that take up quite a bit of my time (DigitalDisciples.net local gatherings / radio station I work at / things I enjoy like photography). I'm sure it's enhanced how God has been able to speak through POTSC, etc. as well.

I can see how it could become addicting just to use it after having to give up video gaming since idolatry set in over the years with it. Being missional is key, and I believe most people aren't using their online time intentionally.

Improving. How else would I know you?

Seriously, when I think about the connections I've made that have turned into real friendships is blows my minds.

Sometimes it's a distraction, but that is something that I need to learn to manage.

The overwhelming benefits of outside perspectives and relationships with those I'd never known are priceless…

Sometimes it’s a distraction, but that is something that I need to learn to manage.

The overwhelming benefits of outside perspectives and relationships with those I’d never known are priceless…