Viral by Leonard Sweet

by Jesse McCallister

August 2, 2012

I just finished Viral: How Social Networking is Poised to Ignite Revival by Leonard Sweet. This book brings a new look at relationships, the role they play, and how social media is impacting those roles in ways that many would never imagine. With the rise of social media in recent years, we begin to see that relationships are key to our life, just as God designed. Sweet's look at the differences between 'Googlers' and 'Gutenbergers' and how we connect and communicate is both humorous and insightful.

For Sweet, understanding how much of our culture communicates and connects is central to understanding and adapting with ways to grow and enjoy the changing aspects of community. Sweet is careful and respectful in dealing with these differences, acknowledging what it was like growing up a "Gutenberger" and the many contributions made by them. Often it is easy to criticize others who seem "behind the times", but Leonard Sweet gives wise perspective to the role and potential for social media and the ways which God can use technological advancement to being kingdom advancement,