Participating "confidently and
with an informed and responsible creativity” in new social networks that
"are not only changing the way we communicate, but communication
itself, so we can say that we are facing a wide cultural
transformation”.
This is Benedict XVI’s invitation to
Christians, to join the network " not simply to satisfy the desire to be
present, but because this network is an integral part of human life,"
to be present with their own "digital profile" and "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”.
In fact, the Pope's message for the 45th World Communications
Day - which this year celebrates Sunday, June 5 - made public today is
titled "Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital
Age".
The new technologies, notes Benedict XVI, have introduced "a
new way of learning and thinking, with unprecedented opportunities for
establishing relationships and building fellowship”, but keeping in mind
that "virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct
human contact with people at every level of our lives".
Despite this, “New horizons are now open that were until
recently unimaginable; they stir our wonder at the possibilities offered
by these new media and, at the same time, urgently demand a serious
reflection on the significance of communication in the digital age. This
is particularly evident when we are confronted with the extraordinary
potential of the internet and the complexity of its uses. As
with every other fruit of human ingenuity, the new communications
technologies must be placed at the service of the integral good of the
individual and of the whole of humanity. If used wisely,
they can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth
and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human
being”.
In the digital world, the distinction between those who produce
and those who "consume" information is becoming increasingly blurred
and " communication appears not only as an exchange of data, but also as
a form of sharing.
This dynamic has contributed to
a new appreciation of communication itself, which is seen first of all
as dialogue, exchange, solidarity and the creation of positive
relations. On the other hand, this is contrasted
with the limits typical of digital communication: the one-sidedness of
the interaction, the tendency to communicate only some parts of one’s
interior world, the risk of constructing a false image of oneself, which
can become a form of self-indulgence".
This is particularly great risk social networks used by young
people, involvement in which " helps to establish new forms of
interpersonal relations, influences self-awareness and therefore
inevitably poses questions not only of how to act properly, but also
about the authenticity of one’s own being.
Entering
cyberspace can be a sign of an authentic search for personal encounters
with others, provided that attention is paid to avoiding dangers such as
enclosing oneself in a sort of parallel existence, or excessive
exposure to the virtual world. In the search for sharing,
for “friends”, there is the challenge to be authentic and faithful, and
not give in to the illusion of constructing an artificial public profile
for oneself ".
"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)”.
"The task of witnessing to the Gospel in the digital era calls
for everyone to be particularly attentive to the aspects of that message
which can challenge some of the ways of thinking typical of the web. First
of all, we must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not
derive its worth from its “popularity” or from the amount of attention
it receives. We must make it known in its integrity, instead of seeking to make it acceptable or diluting it. It must become daily nourishment and not a fleeting attraction. The
truth of the Gospel is not something to be consumed or used
superficially; rather it is a gift that calls for a free response. Even
when it is proclaimed in the virtual space of the web, the Gospel
demands to be incarnated in the real world and linked to the real faces
of our brothers and sisters, those with whom we share our daily lives. Direct human relations always remain fundamental for the transmission of the faith".
The proclamation of the Gospel requires a
communication which is at once respectful and sensitive, which
stimulates the heart and moves the conscience; one which reflects the
example of the risen Jesus when he joined the disciples on the way to
Emmaus (cf. Lk 24:13-35).
By his approach to them, his
dialogue with them, his way of gently drawing forth what was in their
heart, they were led gradually to an understanding of the mystery."
SIC: AN/INT'L