Social media in student ministry

Pew Internet is a great resource. I signed up a few years ago to receive by email all their reports. While I was on vacation they released a report, Teens and Social Media, that is full of great information and should impact the way we do student ministry. Specifically, I believe we need a presence in their social networks online. I've chosen Facebook. In addition, this pdf is also a great resource for our leaders and parents. Here's a summary of their findings:

1. The use of social media – from blogging to online social networking to creation of all kinds of digital material – is central to many teenagers’ lives.

2. Girls continue to lead the charge as the teen blogosphere grows; 28% of online teens have created a blog, up from 19% in 2004.

3. The growth in blogs tracks with the growth in teens’ use of social networking sites, but they do not completely overlap.

4. Online boys are avid users of video-sharing websites such as YouTube, and boys are more likely than girls to upload.

5. Digital images – stills and videos – have a big role in teen life.

6. Posting images and video often starts a virtual conversation. Most teens receive some feedback on the content they post online.

7. Most teens restrict access to their posted photos and videos – at least some of the time. Adults restrict access to the same content less often.

8. In the midst of the digital media mix, the landline is still a lifeline for teen social life.
Multi-channel teens layer each new communications opportunity on top of pre-existing channels.

9. Email continues to lose its luster among teens as texting, instant messaging,