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Will you be my Facebook Friend?
In just a few years, Facebook has gone from nothing to a major feature of modern life. There are over 500 million users, half of whom use it on any given day. There is much that is good about this...social networking brings many benefits...but what about the dangers? Image, identity, idolatry and self promotion are just some of the challenges that social networking can present. Dr. Tim Chester looks at these issues pastorally and biblically, in his usual clear and candid manner. He asks pertinent questions to help us tackle them head on.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Tim Chester
163 books188 followersDr Tim Chester is involved in The Crowded House, a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK. He was previously Research & Policy Director for Tearfund UK, and has been published widely on prayer, mission, social issues and theology. He is married to Helen and has two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 7, 2013
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Such a short book with a big impact. Most people use facebook including myself and to read this I am reminded once again, Why, Where, and Who is my identity in. It's amazing when you see the stats of facebook. How many minutes people use to be on facebook, how relationships are defined by facebook and even marriages. Tim Chester is not knocking facebook, but what he is doing is showing the dangers of our hearts and calling us out on it. You are guided by questions as to what purpose does facebook have for you, in your relationships and maybe even state of mind. It is also stressed that making resolutions about our time on facebook may not work because we may not be aware of the why we do "facebook". That is done very well in this read. The gospel and the glory of God is shown very well. Not a check list of do and don't's. Something I myself do not do very well with.
Such a short book with a big impact. Most people use facebook including myself and to read this I am reminded once again, Why, Where, and Who is my identity in. It's amazing when you see the stats of facebook. How many minutes people use to be on facebook, how relationships are defined by facebook and even marriages. Tim Chester is not knocking facebook, but what he is doing is showing the dangers of our hearts and calling us out on it. You are guided by questions as to what purpose does facebook have for you, in your relationships and maybe even state of mind. It is also stressed that making resolutions about our time on facebook may not work because we may not be aware of the why we do "facebook". That is done very well in this read. The gospel and the glory of God is shown very well. Not a check list of do and don't's. Something I myself do not do very well with.
August 10, 2016
A 47 page corker of a book! Chock full of helpful and challenging thoughts on social media. Chester sums it up quite nicely on the last page:
'Facebook comments wither
and the tweets fall,
but the word of our God stands forever.'
'Facebook comments wither
and the tweets fall,
but the word of our God stands forever.'
January 13, 2020
A short, sharp look at how social media (and particularly Facebook) shapes who we are an how we communicate today. The raw stats on our social media use are a little scary! Chester maintains that social media is not quite morally neutral because the product that it sells is you and me (to advertisers). It's a medium that is geared toward consuming more and more of your time!
This is a helpful critique, though I do question one premise that claims that "face-to-face" time is always better than online communication? Why does it have to be so, just because it's the historical means of being connected?
This is a helpful critique, though I do question one premise that claims that "face-to-face" time is always better than online communication? Why does it have to be so, just because it's the historical means of being connected?
August 15, 2021
An insightful little book. It’s a conversation/thought starter which leads to it feeling a little abrupt in places, but even in short chapters Chester really helpfully diagnoses some of the issues of Social Media and starts to apply the gospel to them. Initially I thought he clearly expressed that the solution to change is hearing the gospel afresh and applying gospel truth to our daily lives, but by the end I was more cautious as he started to suggest lots of rules/guidelines which perhaps undermined his initial helpful approach. Do rules really help us change?
May 13, 2017
More of a pamphlet than a book, I'm glad I didn't judge it by its cover or I wouldn't have read it. ;) Some good points and things to reflect upon. Some of the specifics are out of date (says this social media expert!) but this made me want to throw my phone away and I'll certainly be looking for somewhere other than my bedroom to charge it as I am guilty of checking everything before I get up. Now... should I share this review on Facebook?!
February 10, 2014
I thought it was a pretty interesting book. He drew some conclusions about Facebook that I had already come to in the past. It was still convicting and makes me think about how much time I spend on there. I had already decided a while back to try not to post anything negative on Facebook, but that is something he pointed out too. That's what it is all about, posting positive things to show a positive self-image of oneself to the public and gaining approval. This is not accurate and honest. This is another reason I mostly try to post God-centered things on FB, and not things about myself. I don't always succeed in doing that. I try and post verses or encouraging things relating to God, because it should always be about God and not me. By the grace of God I will be better at doing this.
February 7, 2014
Excellent book for a small group discussion on social media and the Gospel. Chester's book is book practical and pointed. I wish he would have elaborated a little more, but there is plenty of "meat" to digest in this short little book.
February 4, 2013
Excellent, brief but very readable and challenging book on a subject I really need to grapple with along with everyone else in this digital age!
April 8, 2017
challenging and helpful
August 12, 2021
Don't be misled by the title. Tim Chester doesn't actually want to be your Facebook friend. In fact, he's not that keen on you using Facebook at all. That's the general tone of this short book, which makes some very helpful and important points, but which ultimately feels simplistic and overly negative.
As usual, Tim Chester is helpfully perceptive when it comes to getting under the skin of our actions. He prompts us to reflect honestly on our social media use to think about our motivations, desires and priorities, such as our longing for approval from others or our attempts to break free from our embodied human limitations. And as an answer, he's not content with just offering guidelines. "If the only response you can give me is to be more self-controlled then you are inviting me to be my own saviour." Rather, the whole book leads to seeing the glory of Christ, who "more than meets the needs that social media appear to satisfy for us."
He doesn't, though, use the truth of the gospel to construct a positive vision for social media for Christians. There is very little said about the genuine good that comes from social media, with the focus very much on the negative. And along the way, he draws some false contrasts, by assuming the worst of online interaction and the best of offline interaction. He also makes much of Paul's epistolary longings to speak to people "face-to-face", but doesn't explore the fact that these statements also demonstrate the value of non-face-to-face interactions. The book then ends with 12 closing guidelines, which are very much "don't do this".
So, there is much I appreciate about this book, but I feel like it's only half of the discussion. There is much more to be said about the place of social media in Christian discipleship. Maybe Tim Chester should write a sequel, "How to be a good Facebook friend"?
As usual, Tim Chester is helpfully perceptive when it comes to getting under the skin of our actions. He prompts us to reflect honestly on our social media use to think about our motivations, desires and priorities, such as our longing for approval from others or our attempts to break free from our embodied human limitations. And as an answer, he's not content with just offering guidelines. "If the only response you can give me is to be more self-controlled then you are inviting me to be my own saviour." Rather, the whole book leads to seeing the glory of Christ, who "more than meets the needs that social media appear to satisfy for us."
He doesn't, though, use the truth of the gospel to construct a positive vision for social media for Christians. There is very little said about the genuine good that comes from social media, with the focus very much on the negative. And along the way, he draws some false contrasts, by assuming the worst of online interaction and the best of offline interaction. He also makes much of Paul's epistolary longings to speak to people "face-to-face", but doesn't explore the fact that these statements also demonstrate the value of non-face-to-face interactions. The book then ends with 12 closing guidelines, which are very much "don't do this".
So, there is much I appreciate about this book, but I feel like it's only half of the discussion. There is much more to be said about the place of social media in Christian discipleship. Maybe Tim Chester should write a sequel, "How to be a good Facebook friend"?
November 10, 2019
I came to know this book late and there are lots of changes in the social media landscape that I believe that wont accomodate thid book in the discussion of social media and the gospel. But I’m glad it got updated and with that it had an appeal to me to read it.
Before you grab this book (or should I say booklet), let me say two things:
One, dont be fooled by the title. It’s not a light hearted “How To” book on using social media as a Christian. Far from it. It’s an examination on the effects of social media and why it undermines our view of self, others, the gospel and God. If youre not in to that kind of thing, don’t get this book. However if you really care about the state of spirituality soaked in social media frenzy, pick this up.
Two, don’t be fooled on how brief this book. It didn’t cover all about social media in light of the gospel but it does deliver some good points for Christians to ponder. It’s enough to drive a believer to be awaken by the message it wants to send. Get a big book with the same theme, peel out the extras and squeeze out the essentials and you’ll get this book. If you dont have time to read books on the same topic, Wil You Be My Facebook Friend?, will give you readily accessible and quick read.
Between 2013 and 2018 there are lots of things that has changed in social media. Like what I have said earlier, I’m glad they revised this book. Some of it were mention in this booklet in tidbits not comprehensively because of the brevity of it. Nevertheless this is a good primer for people who want to grasps how social media and the gospel meet in the crossroad of the Christian life. Getting this book will give you a quarter or half start when you want to access another book with the same subject.
My verdict:
4 out of 5
Before you grab this book (or should I say booklet), let me say two things:
One, dont be fooled by the title. It’s not a light hearted “How To” book on using social media as a Christian. Far from it. It’s an examination on the effects of social media and why it undermines our view of self, others, the gospel and God. If youre not in to that kind of thing, don’t get this book. However if you really care about the state of spirituality soaked in social media frenzy, pick this up.
Two, don’t be fooled on how brief this book. It didn’t cover all about social media in light of the gospel but it does deliver some good points for Christians to ponder. It’s enough to drive a believer to be awaken by the message it wants to send. Get a big book with the same theme, peel out the extras and squeeze out the essentials and you’ll get this book. If you dont have time to read books on the same topic, Wil You Be My Facebook Friend?, will give you readily accessible and quick read.
Between 2013 and 2018 there are lots of things that has changed in social media. Like what I have said earlier, I’m glad they revised this book. Some of it were mention in this booklet in tidbits not comprehensively because of the brevity of it. Nevertheless this is a good primer for people who want to grasps how social media and the gospel meet in the crossroad of the Christian life. Getting this book will give you a quarter or half start when you want to access another book with the same subject.
My verdict:
4 out of 5
January 12, 2013
“Social Media and the Gospel”
“In just a few years, Facebook has gone from nothing to a major feature of modern life. There are over 500 million users, half of whom use it on any given day.
There is much that is good about this…social networking brings many benefits…but what about the dangers? Image, identity, idolatry and self–promotion are just some of the challenges that social networking can present. Dr Tim Chester looks at these issues pastorally and biblically, in his usual clear and candid manner. He asks pertinent questions to help us tackle them head on.” (From 10 Publishing Company Website)
About the Author: Dr Tim Chester is involved in The Crowded House, a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK. He was previously Research & Policy Director for Tearfund UK, and has been published widely on prayer, mission, social issues and theology. He is married to Helen and has two daughters.
My thoughts about the book: Marshal McLuhan has written that “the medium is the message” and author Dr. Tim Chester adds “how we communicate changes what we communicate.” And there is not doubt that Facebook as well as Social Media in general has changed both how we communicate with God and with others as well as what we communicate. The statistics that Dr. Chester reveals in his book concerning Social Media use are staggering and sobering. He writes for example Facebook has over 500 million users, with half using it on any given day.” He also states that Facebook users “share over 680,000 pieces of content” every minute of every day So, Facebook is definitely a Social Media Force to be reckoned with. But how has it impacted us as Christians personally in the areas of our relationship to God and with one another?
As author Chester shares Facebook allows us to “recreate our world” thus allowing us to be something or somebody we are not. A person can be what and who they want to be on Facebook and everyone can be someone if they so choose…but to really be popular on Facebook you have to stand out from the norm and be really unique or different. So you now have a Social Media tool that allows us to create a page about ourselves and we can put on a different face and become virtually popular because of the content of our posts in the not so virtual world of Facebook and Social Media. And even for Christians many post content that is not at all consistent with whom they are relationally with God and with others in their real time world. After all as Dr. Chester informs us who is going to follow someone who is not positive and beautiful and got it all together? He exposes the subtle danger of Facebook causing us to be something we are not to the world and our Facebook friends and the not so subtle danger of feeding into our selfishness and pride, thereby leading us to sin against God for God has called us to a life of selflessness and humility rather than self-promotion.
Dr. Chester also writes about how Facebook can cause us to “Escape our Limitations.” The door of the world is opened to us through Facebook and Social Media and far too many of us blindly walk through the door into a world that offers an almost limitless number of so called friends and opportunities. We are no longer bound by time and space as finite creatures. The world is ours to claim if you know how to properly use Facebook and Social Media to our advantage. Dr. Chester reminds us that Jesus Christ has recreated us and our self-identity and worth are truly found in a relationship with him and not thousands of so called “friends” who “like” us or our posts on Facebook. With Facebook and Social Media God and Christ many times are taken right out of the picture of our lives with our having little time for him and for meaningful face to face real time communication and relationships with people in the world that exists right around us. And that is far more important to God and the advancement of his Kingdom than our wasting hours each week communicating with who really know who about all the what’s happenings in “our” lives. And I admit candidly I have been far too guilty of this in the past and feel convicted about changing my behavior in the future.
In his chapter of the book entitled, “The Face Book of God” Dr. Chester reveals how “through Facebook we can show our face or image to the world” but it is “through the gospel we see the face of God, the glory of God” which is far more important. The issues of being real, relational and a servant of Christ to others are greatly hindered by Facebook not only by the amount of time it consumes because we spend hours of our lives on it but also by the messages we communicate to people while we are on it.
The good news is the Dr. Chester does not throw the “baby out with the bathwater” or become all legalistic throwing a bunch of new rules at us to follow that would make us appear more spiritual and like God than we really are. As if we don’t get enough legalistic, “if you only try harder you will please God more” messages already so it is refreshing that Dr. Chester remains solidly Biblical and practical in how he suggests we approach the issue of Facebook and Social Media in general in our lives. And to help us he concludes his book with “Twelve Guidelines for Social Networking” that are Biblical, practical and truly liberating in the deepest sense of the word for those of us who are believers in Christ and have been liberated by Christ.
I think if you are a believer in Christ and are a heavy and frequent user of Facebook and Social Media; a “Social Media Junkie” if you will, you will find Dr. Chester’s book to be a refreshing departure from the traditional worldly focused and bondage engendering thinking of people who are leading us in the world. They would be people who either do not know our God or have a personal relationship with him or who do know him but are not growing spiritually because they are absorbed far too much with the inordinate use of Social Media such as Facebook in their lives. I hope the book “Will You Be My Facebook Friend?” both challenges and changes your thinking and life in regards to the use of Social Media in the future as much as it has mine.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from the 10 Publishing Company for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
“In just a few years, Facebook has gone from nothing to a major feature of modern life. There are over 500 million users, half of whom use it on any given day.
There is much that is good about this…social networking brings many benefits…but what about the dangers? Image, identity, idolatry and self–promotion are just some of the challenges that social networking can present. Dr Tim Chester looks at these issues pastorally and biblically, in his usual clear and candid manner. He asks pertinent questions to help us tackle them head on.” (From 10 Publishing Company Website)
About the Author: Dr Tim Chester is involved in The Crowded House, a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK. He was previously Research & Policy Director for Tearfund UK, and has been published widely on prayer, mission, social issues and theology. He is married to Helen and has two daughters.
My thoughts about the book: Marshal McLuhan has written that “the medium is the message” and author Dr. Tim Chester adds “how we communicate changes what we communicate.” And there is not doubt that Facebook as well as Social Media in general has changed both how we communicate with God and with others as well as what we communicate. The statistics that Dr. Chester reveals in his book concerning Social Media use are staggering and sobering. He writes for example Facebook has over 500 million users, with half using it on any given day.” He also states that Facebook users “share over 680,000 pieces of content” every minute of every day So, Facebook is definitely a Social Media Force to be reckoned with. But how has it impacted us as Christians personally in the areas of our relationship to God and with one another?
As author Chester shares Facebook allows us to “recreate our world” thus allowing us to be something or somebody we are not. A person can be what and who they want to be on Facebook and everyone can be someone if they so choose…but to really be popular on Facebook you have to stand out from the norm and be really unique or different. So you now have a Social Media tool that allows us to create a page about ourselves and we can put on a different face and become virtually popular because of the content of our posts in the not so virtual world of Facebook and Social Media. And even for Christians many post content that is not at all consistent with whom they are relationally with God and with others in their real time world. After all as Dr. Chester informs us who is going to follow someone who is not positive and beautiful and got it all together? He exposes the subtle danger of Facebook causing us to be something we are not to the world and our Facebook friends and the not so subtle danger of feeding into our selfishness and pride, thereby leading us to sin against God for God has called us to a life of selflessness and humility rather than self-promotion.
Dr. Chester also writes about how Facebook can cause us to “Escape our Limitations.” The door of the world is opened to us through Facebook and Social Media and far too many of us blindly walk through the door into a world that offers an almost limitless number of so called friends and opportunities. We are no longer bound by time and space as finite creatures. The world is ours to claim if you know how to properly use Facebook and Social Media to our advantage. Dr. Chester reminds us that Jesus Christ has recreated us and our self-identity and worth are truly found in a relationship with him and not thousands of so called “friends” who “like” us or our posts on Facebook. With Facebook and Social Media God and Christ many times are taken right out of the picture of our lives with our having little time for him and for meaningful face to face real time communication and relationships with people in the world that exists right around us. And that is far more important to God and the advancement of his Kingdom than our wasting hours each week communicating with who really know who about all the what’s happenings in “our” lives. And I admit candidly I have been far too guilty of this in the past and feel convicted about changing my behavior in the future.
In his chapter of the book entitled, “The Face Book of God” Dr. Chester reveals how “through Facebook we can show our face or image to the world” but it is “through the gospel we see the face of God, the glory of God” which is far more important. The issues of being real, relational and a servant of Christ to others are greatly hindered by Facebook not only by the amount of time it consumes because we spend hours of our lives on it but also by the messages we communicate to people while we are on it.
The good news is the Dr. Chester does not throw the “baby out with the bathwater” or become all legalistic throwing a bunch of new rules at us to follow that would make us appear more spiritual and like God than we really are. As if we don’t get enough legalistic, “if you only try harder you will please God more” messages already so it is refreshing that Dr. Chester remains solidly Biblical and practical in how he suggests we approach the issue of Facebook and Social Media in general in our lives. And to help us he concludes his book with “Twelve Guidelines for Social Networking” that are Biblical, practical and truly liberating in the deepest sense of the word for those of us who are believers in Christ and have been liberated by Christ.
I think if you are a believer in Christ and are a heavy and frequent user of Facebook and Social Media; a “Social Media Junkie” if you will, you will find Dr. Chester’s book to be a refreshing departure from the traditional worldly focused and bondage engendering thinking of people who are leading us in the world. They would be people who either do not know our God or have a personal relationship with him or who do know him but are not growing spiritually because they are absorbed far too much with the inordinate use of Social Media such as Facebook in their lives. I hope the book “Will You Be My Facebook Friend?” both challenges and changes your thinking and life in regards to the use of Social Media in the future as much as it has mine.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from the 10 Publishing Company for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
June 24, 2026
This book explores the impact of social media, particularly Facebook, on relationships, attention, and Christian life. It raises helpful concerns about how constant access to information can reduce our ability to retain and reflect on knowledge, including Scripture, and encourages meditation on God’s Word rather than relying solely on digital access.
It also highlights how online communication can feel intimate but lack real responsibility, and how this may contribute to loneliness and weaker face-to-face relationships. The emphasis on prioritising embodied community over online interaction is a useful reminder in a culture shaped by smartphones and constant connectivity.
The statistics and observations about social media use were interesting, and the practical guidelines at the end offer sensible boundaries for healthy engagement online.
Overall, it is a useful introduction to the topic and provides a good starting point for reflection on how Christians engage with technology and relationships. However, it feels quite general in places and could have benefited from more depth and engagement with alternative perspectives or more nuanced discussion of positive uses of social media.
It also highlights how online communication can feel intimate but lack real responsibility, and how this may contribute to loneliness and weaker face-to-face relationships. The emphasis on prioritising embodied community over online interaction is a useful reminder in a culture shaped by smartphones and constant connectivity.
The statistics and observations about social media use were interesting, and the practical guidelines at the end offer sensible boundaries for healthy engagement online.
Overall, it is a useful introduction to the topic and provides a good starting point for reflection on how Christians engage with technology and relationships. However, it feels quite general in places and could have benefited from more depth and engagement with alternative perspectives or more nuanced discussion of positive uses of social media.
December 24, 2018
As with all things in life, we have to do it in balance. As soon as anything gets out of balance, it borders on idolatry (too much alcohol = alcoholic; too much chocolate = chocaholic and so on). Any form of idolatry removes our focus from God and onto something else. In the case of FB, it's onto yourself. Look how Chester states it on page 22 "Not only do I create or recreate myself through my words on FB, but I can measure myself through FB too." ... the devil has found another way of narcissism to lure us away from reading the Bible and listening to the Spirit; another way of taking us out of the community so that we are dumped into loneliness and he can pounce on us.
FB is not all bad, it's the balance that needs to be in place.
FB is not all bad, it's the balance that needs to be in place.
June 19, 2021
A well-informed and well-intentioned short book which is great for starting discussions around the topic of social media use for Christians. Like many things, it can be wonderful but it can be really unhelpful. This book introduces some good ideas but doesn't take them forward to very meaningful solutions. I would recommend as an entry into the conversation, but there are other resources available that give more nuance and solution e.g. 12 Ways your phone is changing you, The Next Story.
May 14, 2017
Great little book. Makes the simple but accurate parallel between the building of an online world which we control and with us at the centre, and the sinful desire to displace God from his rightful place. Also a helpful reminder of the importance of memorising Scripture - the Word of God which will always be relevant and useful for every aspect of life.
February 15, 2019
Time to really reflect on what and how have I been doing online and offline.
Time to unplug.
Time to unplug.
January 10, 2020
A very convicting read on the use of social media! Encouraged to cut my social media time now and construct different routines plus a day completely free of social media.
April 11, 2023
Very relevant.
January 27, 2024
Decent introduction to Social Media and Christian life but really how much can you say in a book this brief?
Sometimes books are padded out and others, well they barely get going.
This needed a bit more flesh to the bones but it had some salient points.
Sometimes books are padded out and others, well they barely get going.
This needed a bit more flesh to the bones but it had some salient points.
May 17, 2013
"Social networking brings many benefits" (pg. 9). "But it readily gets perverted by our sin, and used for selfish ends" (pg. 11). Have you ever asked yourself: "Why do people spend so much time on Facebook? Why do they feel the need to check and recheck their social media? What does it do for them? What does it offer" (pg. 15). Or perhaps you've considered why you feel drawn to social media yourself. Tim Chester considers these topics and more in his newest book, Will you be my Facebook friend?.
On Pages 17-18, Chester writes:
"For countless people, of course, using Facebook is not a problem. For many it is all blessing. But there are some dangers in social networking, and here are some possible warning signs:
Do you check your Facebook page more than once or twice a day?
Do you spend more than twenty minutes a day on Facebook?
Do you find it difficult to imagine a day without technology?
Have you ever read a text or gone online during a church gathering?
Have you stayed up beyond your normal bedtime because you were on Facebook or playing online games?
Do you use your mobile phone during meals or keep it in the bedroom?"
If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, you should probably consider reading a book about the effects of social media. Will you be my Facebook friend? is a thought-provoking introduction to this topic. Tim Chester is gifted at writing concise books that "pack a punch", and this book is no exception.
Those who regularly make use of social media ought to carefully weigh the benefits and problems of this technology so that they are better equipped to avoid the problems and glorify God in this realm. Tim Chester familiarizes his reader with several sinful heart issues that drive social media usage. "Image, identity, idolatry, and self-promotion are just some of the challenges that social networking can present" (Back Cover).
Regular readers may remember that I reviewed (and highly recommended) Tim Challies' book, The Next Story, last May. I have to admit that Challies' book is still my favorite on the subject, thus far. At around 200 pages, The Next Story offers a more balanced, thorough treatment of the subject, with a stronger Biblical basis and useful "Questions for Reflection". However, Tim Chester raises some issues not explicitly mentioned by Challies. Consequently, Will you be my Facebook friend? is a welcome addition to and continuation of the "conversation" concerning digital technology. Your attention span may determine which one you read first, but I think both deserve a place in your reading "queue" if you are a regular user of social media.
*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
On Pages 17-18, Chester writes:
"For countless people, of course, using Facebook is not a problem. For many it is all blessing. But there are some dangers in social networking, and here are some possible warning signs:
Do you check your Facebook page more than once or twice a day?
Do you spend more than twenty minutes a day on Facebook?
Do you find it difficult to imagine a day without technology?
Have you ever read a text or gone online during a church gathering?
Have you stayed up beyond your normal bedtime because you were on Facebook or playing online games?
Do you use your mobile phone during meals or keep it in the bedroom?"
If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, you should probably consider reading a book about the effects of social media. Will you be my Facebook friend? is a thought-provoking introduction to this topic. Tim Chester is gifted at writing concise books that "pack a punch", and this book is no exception.
Those who regularly make use of social media ought to carefully weigh the benefits and problems of this technology so that they are better equipped to avoid the problems and glorify God in this realm. Tim Chester familiarizes his reader with several sinful heart issues that drive social media usage. "Image, identity, idolatry, and self-promotion are just some of the challenges that social networking can present" (Back Cover).
Regular readers may remember that I reviewed (and highly recommended) Tim Challies' book, The Next Story, last May. I have to admit that Challies' book is still my favorite on the subject, thus far. At around 200 pages, The Next Story offers a more balanced, thorough treatment of the subject, with a stronger Biblical basis and useful "Questions for Reflection". However, Tim Chester raises some issues not explicitly mentioned by Challies. Consequently, Will you be my Facebook friend? is a welcome addition to and continuation of the "conversation" concerning digital technology. Your attention span may determine which one you read first, but I think both deserve a place in your reading "queue" if you are a regular user of social media.
*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
September 8, 2013
Really good small booklet. Easy to read and very clear. When my friend bought me this book I assumed it would be aimed at teenagers with the usual warnings about dangers of isolation and fast tech society. However I was very challenged and have adapted my use of Facebook as a result. Some the quotes I liked were;
" technology makes us more efficient. And efficiency is good. But only in some contexts. Do you want to be an efficient lover? An efficient parent? An efficient worshipper?"
In the context if church he writes "God has chosen the people in your church so they can help you come to maturity and so you can come to maturity. But social media allows us to play God and create our own chosen people. And we are at the centre of this chosen circle"
Chester uses the example of Paul who cared little about others judgement of him and says its hard to imagine him worrying how many people "liked" his comments or followed him on twitter.
Another challenge was like Adam and Eve we try to become "like God" by escaping the limitations of our bodies where we can connect to everyone, everywhere at any time. Facebook encourages us to have skim befriending or surface friendships. He says that "in many ways disembodied life is easier. But it is less fulfilling, less real and less satisfying".
He finishes by saying "through Facebook we can recreate ourselves. We can recreate our own identity to win the approval of others. Through the gospel God recreates us in the image of Jesus. Jesus makes us approved by God"
Amen to that.
" technology makes us more efficient. And efficiency is good. But only in some contexts. Do you want to be an efficient lover? An efficient parent? An efficient worshipper?"
In the context if church he writes "God has chosen the people in your church so they can help you come to maturity and so you can come to maturity. But social media allows us to play God and create our own chosen people. And we are at the centre of this chosen circle"
Chester uses the example of Paul who cared little about others judgement of him and says its hard to imagine him worrying how many people "liked" his comments or followed him on twitter.
Another challenge was like Adam and Eve we try to become "like God" by escaping the limitations of our bodies where we can connect to everyone, everywhere at any time. Facebook encourages us to have skim befriending or surface friendships. He says that "in many ways disembodied life is easier. But it is less fulfilling, less real and less satisfying".
He finishes by saying "through Facebook we can recreate ourselves. We can recreate our own identity to win the approval of others. Through the gospel God recreates us in the image of Jesus. Jesus makes us approved by God"
Amen to that.
January 1, 2016
I bought this a while ago expecting it to be a nice little balanced modern view of Social Media in the context of a life of faith. It sat a while on my shelf until today. I must admit I am disappointed. The author is well respected in my circles - and no doubt many of my friends of faith will be singing this little book's praises. However I don't think I can. I found it to be very one-sided in its condemnation of one aspect of the vast arena of social media. I found very few references to its positive use, or its responsible place in our lives. As other reviewers have pointed out - and I agree with them - the author unfortunately crosses a line in hyperbole to make a reasonable point. The issues he addresses are undoubtedly real, with many unfortunate addicts suffering from Social Media Frenzy (or Breakdown) but I did not find a reasoned, balanced argument. There were some aspects of the booklet (48 small pages large print!) that I found interesting, but ultimately unfulfilling. A better book would be From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology. It has a different focus, but is a better work for those interested in technology and its nature in modern life.
December 28, 2015
I have to be honest I was one book away from completing my reading challenge for this year and wasn't sure I was going to make it. Whilst going through my bookshelf I found this little book that I had bought a while ago. I thought this will do to get me across the line and I'm glad I read it.
Guilty! I am a bit obsessed, it's the first thing I do when I wake up, check emails, Facebook and any online games I'm playing and the last thing I do before I go to bed and probably several times I between. Do I read my bible regularly, do I have daily devotions? No. Should I? Yes!
Isaiah 40:6-8
The voice said, “Cry out!”
And he said, “What shall I cry?”
“All flesh is grass,
And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”
Or to paraphrase:
The Facebook comments wither
And the tweets fall
But the word of God stands forever
That was copied from the book and very insightful it was.
At the back of the book were twelve guidelines for social networking. No. 9 suggested setting aside one day as technology free. Hmm that would be really hard.
It was a very interesting book for a new Christian. Question is.......what will I do about it??????
Guilty! I am a bit obsessed, it's the first thing I do when I wake up, check emails, Facebook and any online games I'm playing and the last thing I do before I go to bed and probably several times I between. Do I read my bible regularly, do I have daily devotions? No. Should I? Yes!
Isaiah 40:6-8
The voice said, “Cry out!”
And he said, “What shall I cry?”
“All flesh is grass,
And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”
Or to paraphrase:
The Facebook comments wither
And the tweets fall
But the word of God stands forever
That was copied from the book and very insightful it was.
At the back of the book were twelve guidelines for social networking. No. 9 suggested setting aside one day as technology free. Hmm that would be really hard.
It was a very interesting book for a new Christian. Question is.......what will I do about it??????
January 25, 2014
I feel that this short book was very biased against facebook which is a good tool for communication if used wisely. Of course it is possible to become addicted or obsessed by it, but to suggest that the user is putting himself in God's place is pretty far-fetched! Personally I find facebook adds to real-life friendships and helps me to get to know some people that I never would have otherwise. There is no mention of how useful facebook is in keeping up with news ideas.
I really expected something more positive and helpful when I bought this book. Still I suppose it was a quick and easy read... just off to see who's commented on my latest status. ;)
I really expected something more positive and helpful when I bought this book. Still I suppose it was a quick and easy read... just off to see who's commented on my latest status. ;)
January 16, 2015
Wow. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Chester concisely exposes the problems inherent in our abundance of social media relationships, without denying the many opportunities for good as well. My biggest takeaway from this quick 25 page read was the point that social media is a world where you are at the center - it's *my* Facebook friends, *my* blog posts, *my* Tweets, and *I* choose how to respond and who gets to be part of *my* virtual world. Ouch! He doesn't conclude without hope as well, true to Chester's gospel-centered style.
April 27, 2015
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in social media, or uses it. To anyone who is curious about the phenomenon of friendship, and anyone who has the desire to grow and learn more about God. Will you be my Facebook friend links social media and the gospel. I would rate this book 9.8 out of 10. It's an amazing short read, it only took me about an hour or two to finish, and I'm a slow reader! It truly is an amazing book that covers social media addiction, focusing and dedicating your life to God, the reasons that make social media so successful and also a few marketing tips too.
January 19, 2013
Excellent little book! Didn't take long to read but has had a huge impact on the way I think about social media and the gospel. I would recommend every Christian who uses social media to read this wee book! "The Facebook comments wither and the tweets fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Tim Chester's paraphrase of Isaiah 40:6-8!
July 14, 2015
A good but brief introduction to social media and the gospel, particularly focussed on facebook. Chester nails some of the appeal of social media with sections on "recreating my world", and "escaping my limitations". I definitely consider consulting this book again to help me speak with young people in my class about how to approach social media.
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