Formed in Community & Formed in Service: Technology & Isolation

In this lecture, Ellie Talley explores the complex relationship between technology, community, and isolation, launching the discussion by referencing a scene from *Modern Family*. The scenario highlights a family's profound disconnection despite their technical ability to communicate, illustrating a paradox where increased connectivity can lead to emotional and relational alienation. Throughout the summer series titled "Formed in Community and Formed in Service," Talley addresses the shaping influence of community practices and the nuances of technology in contemporary life.

Talley presents three central questions guiding the series: what we were made for (formation), what has gone wrong (malformation), and how Jesus invites us into a redemptive way forward. She emphasizes that while technology has the potential to foster connection and community, it often leaves individuals feeling scattered and alone. Rather than advocating for an anti-technology stance, she calls for a thoughtful approach to engagement with technology, guided by a desire for deeper connection with God and each other.

Bringing awareness to her own experiences, Talley engages the audience through relatable anecdotes about modern distractions—texting within the same room, mindlessly scrolling through content, and yet feeling disconnected from people both online and in person. She emphasizes the necessity of reflecting on how technology shapes our behaviors and relationships, and she invites listeners into this critical self-examination. Following a moment of reflection, Talley dives into biblical narratives, starting with Genesis, which reveals humanity's created purpose for relational connection. The scripture serves as a foundation for understanding our need for community and the potential benefits of technology when used wisely.

As she elaborates on the implications of technological use, Talley warns against the dangers of an uncritical adoption of tech, giving the historic example of the Tower of Babel as a cautionary tale about how advancements can foster pride and a false sense of community. This is juxtaposed against modern experiences with social media and tech. She identifies five specific ways technology contributes to malformation today: treating people as content, mistaking networks for true community, burdening future generations, undermining reliance on one another, and demonizing those with differing views.

Transitioning from these insights, Talley speaks to the challenges of recognizing the impact of our technological habits on mental and spiritual health, referencing studies on increased anxiety and depression among youth due to inappropriate tech exposure. She offers hope, praising the transformative power of Jesus who invites individuals into healthier relational patterns. Instead of simply reducing technology use, she calls for a fundamental shift in how we engage with it—promoting a transformation of habits that aligns with loving God and others.

Toward the conclusion, Talley introduces the concept of the "examine," a reflective practice adapted for digital life to help listeners assess their tech engagement critically. She encourages participants to identify their most frequently used apps, explore their motivations, and discern how these habits shape relationships with God and one another. The lecture culminates in a communal exercise inviting attendees to share their reflections with one another, emphasizing the necessity of real-life connections as they navigate technological engagement.

Ultimately, Talley reinforces that although the modern family experience depicted earlier might resonate too closely with reality, it is possible to foster genuine connections and live differently in a tech-saturated world. Through Jesus and the supportive community of the church, attendees are reminded of their inherent design for relationships, inviting them to pursue richer, more meaningful interactions in all areas of life. The session concludes with a prayerful reflection on the importance of intentionality in technology use as a means of building community and nurturing authentic relationships.