Facing the Book

I just read an article discussing a study showing a correlation between the GPA of students who are Facebook users as opposed to not. The article reported Facebook users having lower GPAs than non-users. So does that mean Facebooking students are pretty much doomed???

Not necessarily. It's not Facebook itself that makes people dumber academically, just dumber with time management. Obviously if spending hours surfing the Internet instead of pouring over a biology text, say goodbye to that 4.0.

Read article here if interested.

I will admit, I've gotten sucked into the Facebook world myself at times. Sometimes I don't even understand why, and at some points have wanted to delete my profile (but I probably never will). Let's face it, it's fun to see what everyone's up to. It's a one-stop shop for staying in touch with people past and present, near and especially far. I have a ton of mission friends and relatives who otherwise would be nearly impossible to keep tabs on otherwise because calling each one individually would be exhaustingly time consuming.


Not only that, but Facebook can be a handy tool if used properly. Having a party? Simply set up an event page and forward an invitation to all your guests. Want to stay connected with your study group (assuming of course, that you actually study!), set up a group. Want all your friends to see photos of your latest excursion around the world? Photo album. Done!

Another point made is not only do Facebookers get 'dumber' but 'more socially inept' Texting, email, IM, can all become a deadly combination for one's social skills. "...being able to read a face is lacking. You just don’t learn social skills when you’re sitting in front of a computer on Facebook for five hours.” Kinda ironic how a social networking site can influence so many to lack being social...

{{What will Facebook look like in 40 years? Here's one person's take. Click here to find out!}}

Technology can be really great. I'm a fan. However, it can quickly and easily become a distraction from more important things. We have each been given a divine gift known as agency, and of course, there are consequences to each decision. Modern day prophets and apostles have warned (and are still warning) us against not succombing to the many distractions around us. Giving in can gradually erode at our spiritual well-being.

I've found myself guilty of unwise time use plenty of times. I ask myself things like: Is watching a video on youtube right now more appealing than reading my scriptures? Is following my friend's lives on Facebook keeping me from living my OWN life and making a valuable contribution to society and those around me? Am I texting my best friend with a personal crisis, or am I counseling with the Lord, who knows me better than anyone else? Would I rather go shopping than attend the temple? None of these things are "wrong" (if done in moderation, obviously). I'm not against enjoying a bit of leisure time, just saying, each decision can ultimately influence our eternal happiness, and if wrapped up in distractions, pretty soon we'll find ourselves losing sense of who we are and what our purpose is.

Shedding a little more light on this, I love this talk by Elder Oaks, "Good, Better, Best" , where we are counseled, "We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families." In essence, is whatever I'm doing, the BEST thing I could be doing right now?

President Deiter F. Uchdorf reminds us in his talk, "We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down" to "Set [our] heart on things that matter most". Great talk.

So when Facing your Book, which one is of highest priority? :)

Sorry, that kinda turned into a ramble...Please share your thoughts.