Discussing
I draw the line at selfie sticks (at least for now)

Josh Larsen

Josh Larsen
June 9, 2015

I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to describe original sin as an original selfie.

Nate
June 9, 2015

We are starting to circulate selfie sticks at our library. They haven't hit the shelves yet, but patrons (especially teens) have already expressed excitement.

Maybe you draw the line at purchasing a selfie stick, but would you check one out from the local library for a special occasion? Is there a difference?

As the librarian in charge of the digital equipment, I was hesitant because of your exact reasons to add these to the collection, but now after testing one out I'm kind of sold on them.

For one- if you need a decent head-shot for employment or to update your LinkedIn profile, a selfie stick might be less awkward, and actually better at getting the right photo than having a friend come over to take pictures of you posing for them.

Or that could just be the serpent talking ;)

Congratulations on the anniversary!


Josh Larsen
TC Staff
June 9, 2015

Thanks Nate. Wow, selfie sticks from the library, huh? I guess it comes back to the Christian ethics approach I mentioned. It's probably less helpful to talk about when using a piece of technology is "right" or "wrong" than taking into account the desire being served. To my mind selfie sticks seem closer to the narcissistic heart of the practice - they're certainly less communal in the way they commandeer public space - but I'm sure there are instances where they can serve more altruistic (or simply practical, as you suggest) purposes.

Eric Bergen
June 10, 2015

Selfie-sticks and Satan and the Garden of Eden?! Wow - a combo I would never have considered! But a fun/light-hearted way to reflect on our self-centeredness and pride that gets in the way of our connectedness with God. Thanks for using the selfie stick to give me a better angle on this issue...

CMJamison
June 10, 2015

At a beautiful beach in Chicago today, I watched sadly as three teenage girls spent twenty minutes taking selfies with a selfie stick. Not only were these girls missing out on community together (which a selfie of at least them together would have been better) but were also completely missing out of the beauty and peacefulness of their surroundings. It was a very disheartening glimpse into the narcissistic heart of the practice you speak of.

Add your comment to join the discussion!