Rethinking Our Relationship with Technology
As we step into a new year, many of us take time to reflect on our lives and set goals for personal growth. One area that often gets overlooked is our relationship with technology. In this episode, Samuel James shares his insights on the impact of smartphones and other devices on our relationships and offers practical advice on cultivating healthy tech habits.
The Power of Intentional Reflection
The start of a new year can be a powerful catalyst for change. While it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that January 1st marks a magical reset, Samuel James suggests that this mindset can be misleading. Instead, he encourages us to view the new year as an opportunity to reflect on our lives, acknowledging both our struggles and areas for improvement. By doing so, we can identify lessons to carry forward and make intentional changes to our habits.
The Shaping Influence of Technology
When it comes to technology, it’s not just the content we consume that matters, but also the medium itself. Samuel James argues that the way we interact with technology has a profound impact on our hearts and minds. He cites the concept “the medium is the message,” suggesting that the platform or device we use can alter the very essence of the message we’re trying to convey. This idea is supported by science, philosophy, and Scripture, which all point to the fact that we are shaped by the material world around us.
Unpacking the Effects of Social Media
Samuel James’ book, Digital Liturgies, explores the ways in which social media, in particular, shapes our hearts and minds. He contends that even if we’re careful about the content we consume, social media can still have an intrinsic effect on us. By examining Scripture, science, and cultural observations, we can identify these effects and compare them to Scriptural truth, allowing us to discern and push back against them in our Christian lives.
A Case Study: Podcasts
As a case study, let’s consider podcasts. While they can be a valuable source of edifying content, Samuel James encourages us to think critically about how we engage with them. Are we using podcasts as a way to avoid meaningful interactions with others, or are we using them to supplement our relationships and deepen our understanding of the world? By examining our motivations and habits, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with technology and ensure that it serves us, rather than the other way around.
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