Nina told me it would happen, and it did. Sort of.

After reading last week’s article she warned me about getting too personal and mentioning Sean Sebastian by name. Her concern was the possibility of Sean’s offense at my disinterest in his constant whereabouts and goings-on via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and any other social networking site. Fulminating against our lack of actual personal interaction, I encouraged everyone to turn off any and all personal computing devices and spend time with something other than a Bill Gates’ product.

The reference to a classmate I haven’t seen in over twelve years was random, yet, providence allowed Sean to read my article online and send me an articulate defense of his social network and the arguments for it, while also agreeing with my assessment of its copious pitfalls.

Nina was right. He read it, but he did not take any offense at all. It is good to know that the entire world hasn’t turned petty and ultra-sensitive.

Nonetheless, according my custom of transparency and in the name of objectivity, please give me space to espouse the benefits of your virtual network, while constantly imploring moderation, which I believe to be a very important key to a happy life.

Number one - you may need a social network if you live in Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, China, or any other dictatorial nation that is prone to rigging elections, silencing the population with military force, and making independent media disappear. Mark it down right now, if the president suspends habeas corpus, revokes the First, Second, or Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, I’ll be tweeting faster than that yellow cartoon bird escaping Sylvester the cat. If it comes to that, tweet all you want.

Number two - you may need a social network if you are the veteran of a foreign war and you’ve lost contact with most or all of your unit. Some bonds should last for a lifetime. Some friendships are forged under very special circumstances and, from both sides, need regular attention. While not limited to armed services, you understand the idea. You need to re-connect with your fox hole buddy, but not necessarily the kid who stood in line next to you while getting checked for scoliosis.

Number three - you may need a social network if it is a real network that gives you the ability to improve yourself professionally. If the opinion of others on such sites hold water in the eyes of present or potential employers, connect with whomever you have previously worked. If it really works for you, do it. As a pastor and missionary, this would help me not one iota. I’m not climbing a corporate ladder, and I don’t need any approval on a peer evaluation. However, with a systems engineer, things may be slightly different.

Number four - you may need a social network if you don’t have any friends, family, or co-workers. If so, email me. I’ll be your friend.

Please send your comments to Michael Andrzejewski at preacher@mbcportugalmissions.com