The new technologies allow people to meet each other beyond the confines of space and of their own culture, creating in this way an entirely new world of potential friendships. This is a great opportunity, but it also requires greater attention to and awareness of possible risks. Who is my “neighbour” in this new world? Does the danger exist that we may be less present to those whom we encounter in our everyday life? Is there is a risk of being more distracted because our attention is fragmented and absorbed in a world “other” than the one in which we live? Do we have time to reflect critically on our choices and to foster human relationships which are truly deep and lasting? It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives.
In the digital age too, everyone is confronted by the need for authenticity and reflection. Besides, the dynamic inherent in the social networks demonstrates that a person is always involved in what he or she communicates. When people exchange information, they are already sharing themselves, their view of the world, their hopes, their ideals. It follows that there exists a Christian way of being present in the digital world: this takes the form of a communication which is honest and open, responsible and respectful of others. To proclaim the Gospel through the new media means not only to insert expressly religious content into different media platforms, but also to witness consistently, in one’s own digital profile and in the way one communicates choices, preferences and judgements that are fully consistent with the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically. Furthermore, it is also true in the digital world that a message cannot be proclaimed without a consistent witness on the part of the one who proclaims it. In these new circumstances and with these new forms of expression, Christian are once again called to offer a response to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is within them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).
Written in the same spirit as the Vatican 2 Document on the Media of Social Communications, Inter Mirifica? All things should be harnessed to serve Christ. Those who are using social networking websites should do so in the spirit of Christ. Still, one should ask whether a passing fad deserves such notice, or if Christians need a more radical re-orientation towards Christ and the order of charity. Pope Benedict XVI hints to the danger that we neglect real people while on the Internet -- but is this sufficient? And are there limits to what can be done online? How real can our friendships online become? As far as I can tell, it is rare that they develop into intimate friendships. Better to keep some emotional distance and to cultivate detachment, I would think.
I suppose only when it becomes obvious that the age of cheap energy is over will we see some adjustments made in pastoral advice.
Is it less a question of whether the message contains good principles and more of a question of whether the Church endangers its credibility by being too up-to-date when such innovations will be short-lived?
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