TWO ARTICLES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

 TWO ARTICLES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Image Source: Catholic-Link

Title of Article 1: “The Catholic Guide for Using Social Media” by MACLAINE NOAH


What to know about this article? In this article, an avowed “social media addict” and a Catholic, gives his readers advice on how Catholics can navigate the social media world without getting lost. He identifies the roots of our need for social media platforms as “the desire for community”. He explains how digital platforms require us to develop a digital identity and encourage us to develop our Catholic identity instead. Finally the author speaks of the Catholic virtue of moderation to counter our uncontrolled dependence on technology.

What piqued my interest? As a Catholic  lay person living in the 21st century and in a first world nation, I have always wondered how to live my faith in this super digitalized society without losing the flavor of what my Catholic faith is. This article offers tips to help navigate unavoidable social media addiction that comes from the ubiquitousness of personal electronic devices.

Probing Questions to think about? How do you ensure that you don’t become addicted to your personal devices and to your social media platforms? Do you take time off from your devices? Do you have a physical community that you belong to?

Link to the article: Find the article HERE



Title of Article 2: “How should Catholics Behave on Social Media?” by ANDREAS THONHAUSER

Image Source: Prenger Solution Group


What to know about this article? This article provides an analysis of the pastoral letter written by Pope Francis to all Catholics and entitled “Towards a full presence”. The pastoral reflection is a pretty lengthy document and Andreas Thonhauser takes upon himself the task of summarizing the salient points of the Church’s document on social media. The document explains that while social media has made communication easier and brought us some unquestionable advantages, there are some serious pitfalls that Catholics should be aware of and therefore avoid. Some of the pitfalls of social media which were cited include the digital divide and the resulting feeling of being left out, the digital space as a commercial space,  fake news, tribalism and lack of authentic dialogue between people, the rise of aggressive and violent behavior due to the misperceived anonymity of social media.

What piqued my interest? I have always been curious about the repercussions of social media on social behavior and had wanted to find a genuine and frank analysis of social media and its consequences on society. I knew that I could trust the Church to do such an analysis and was grateful for this simplified version of the Church’s document

Probing Questions to think about? How do you ensure that you don’t become prey to the pitfalls of social media? Are you in conversation with people who have a different opinions than you on your social platform?

Link to the article: Find the article HERE


 

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