How Catholics Can Navigate Social Media and Texting

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From a Catholic perspective, social media and texting can be a great gift. It has made communication easier and faster. We can quickly share information or ask and answer questions with a simple text. It also allows people to express their thoughts in writing, which for some is easier than speaking in person. The ability to connect with people far away or to keep in touch with friends and family has never been more accessible, allowing us to build up our communities even when we're not physically together.

While there are many positive aspects of social media, we also need to be mindful of its downsides. Digital communication can miss essential non-verbal cues like tone and body language. This can lead to misunderstandings, even when the person sending the message has good intentions. The written word can be easily misinterpreted, and once a message is sent, it can be saved forever. Receiving a text message can also activate a hit of dopamine, which may explain why a generation of young people is beginning to prefer digital communication over in-person interaction.

As Catholics, we should approach social media and texting with a set of guidelines. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 12:36-37 and Luke 12:2-3 can guide us. Jesus said, "on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak." This applies to our written words, too. We should text in a way that we would be okay with the world seeing, because God sees everything we send. For those who work with young people, it's also a good idea to text parents, or at least include them in the conversation, for added protection. By following these guidelines, we can use these modern tools in a way that aligns with our faith and values.

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