Just recently the Army has lifted its ban from government computers for visiting sites like Youtube and Facebook. Now, after about 36 hours of this being lifted I have noticed quite the phenomenon. The scenario looks as follows.
A computer savvy individual is surfing through the latest Youtube post. As you approach or pass him by, he looks up from his computer and notices you. Politely he asks, "Hey, wanna see something cool?" Of course, its rude to continue walking because he has simply asked for a moment of your time. You slow your pace, stand behind his shoulder and watch as he loads or reloads a video he has just watched. Little do you know that this is just the beginning. Just as soon as the 2:32 min clip ends, he says, "Oh, have you seen this...". This pattern continues as the individual effortless sifts through an endless queue of clips. Your personal interest in 'the biggest Zit' or 'world's stupidest game show contestant', has been completely lost.
You desperately want to leave, but it continues and continues...when does it stop?
Have you been there?
Bottomline: I wonder how much time do we spend in front of videos or other media that we have no personal interest, yet because of our own cultural politeness we will not dismiss ourselves. Is it inappropriate to decline from things that are not beneficial? If so, how do you do it? If not, how much time in our life will we subject yourselves to this? As our culture waters rise around us, we must consciously be aware of what we willing absorb. Scriptures teach Christians to 'set our minds on things above, where Christ is'...Ask yourself: Does this help me set my mind on things above, or other things?
A computer savvy individual is surfing through the latest Youtube post. As you approach or pass him by, he looks up from his computer and notices you. Politely he asks, "Hey, wanna see something cool?" Of course, its rude to continue walking because he has simply asked for a moment of your time. You slow your pace, stand behind his shoulder and watch as he loads or reloads a video he has just watched. Little do you know that this is just the beginning. Just as soon as the 2:32 min clip ends, he says, "Oh, have you seen this...". This pattern continues as the individual effortless sifts through an endless queue of clips. Your personal interest in 'the biggest Zit' or 'world's stupidest game show contestant', has been completely lost.
You desperately want to leave, but it continues and continues...when does it stop?
Have you been there?
Bottomline: I wonder how much time do we spend in front of videos or other media that we have no personal interest, yet because of our own cultural politeness we will not dismiss ourselves. Is it inappropriate to decline from things that are not beneficial? If so, how do you do it? If not, how much time in our life will we subject yourselves to this? As our culture waters rise around us, we must consciously be aware of what we willing absorb. Scriptures teach Christians to 'set our minds on things above, where Christ is'...Ask yourself: Does this help me set my mind on things above, or other things?
Very Convicting... I am not really into youtube but have found myself sifting through failblog a few times with no end to my curiosity at what could possibly on the next page of 10 things... So thank you again for your honest opinion!
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