Stephen
Stephen
Stephen
SUMMARY OF Towards Full Presence (A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with social media)
BY
IGWE IKENNA STEPHEN
TO
Father Jacob
IBADAN
December 2023
1. The main point is that in the digital age we need to figure out how to engage with technology in
a way that enhance real human connections. Social media is a big part of people’s lives,
especially for young ones, and its important to actively participate and create meaningful
experiences online.
2. Many Christians are seeking inspiration and guidance in the digital age, influenced greatly by
social media. People worldwide, including local communities, individuals, churches, and
educational institutions, actively share their faith online. These entities develop a variety of
initiatives not only for but also for teaching about faith in the context of the digital age.
3. The Universal Church has been dealing with the impact of digital technology since 1967. World
communication Day messages, starting in the 1990s, discussed computer use and from the early
2000s, focused on digital culture. In 2009, Pope Benedict xvi emphasized that media should not
just connect people but encourage relationships based on respect and dialogue. The Church sees
social medial as more than tools, urging the proclamation of good news in digital spaces. Pope
Francis recognizes the digital world as an integral to daily life, changing how we learn, share
information, and build relationships.
4. The Church effectively uses social media, as shown during the early days of the COVID-19
pandemic in 2020. St. Peter’s square, empty due to lockdowns, became a powerful scene of
unity through televised and live streamed events. The pope’s prayer, broadcasted via traditional
and digital media, reached people globally, creating a sense of togetherness during challenging
time. Despite physical distance, the virtual gathering allowed millions to feel connected and
experience a moment of unity and communion.
5. This document explores how Christian should approach social media through reflections
involving various individuals, including experts, teachers, and leaders. It doesn’t provide strict
guidelines but encourages a shared reflections on digital experiences. The focus is on fostering
positive relationships and questioning the authenticity of communication on social media. It
prompts readers to consider how their digital presence reflects humanity, the depth of
communication, the influence of opinions, the expression of faith, and the concept of neighbours
in the online world
6. The parable of the good Samaritan, prompted by a question on eternal life, emphasizes
inheriting something lasting beyond physical land. It encourages us to rethink our role in the
digital world with timeless principles of being a good a neighbour.
Pitfalls to avoid
12. The initial hopes for the internet creating a harmonious global space were not fully realized. The
digital divide persists, with many lacking accesses not only to necessities but also to information
technologies. Additionally, social media, meant to unite, has often intensified divisions rather
than fostering community.
13. Social media has potential issues, especially concerning its commercial aspect. Brands and
institutions, recognizing strategic potential, transformed users into consumers and commodities.
As consumers, individuals encounter tailored advertising and sponsored content, while as
commodities, their profiles and data are sold. Accepting terms of agreement, often unread,
implies the adage: if it’s free, we’re paying with our attention and data.
14. In a world where information matters a lot, it’s tough to check if what we see online is accurate.
Artificial intelligence decides what we see based on our past choices and even distractions. Each
person’s online experience is unique, shaped by personalized algorithms. But this
personalization often means we only see information that agrees with our ideas, making us
isolated in our own digital bubbles.
15. Social media groups people with similar interest together using algorithms, making users
interact mostly with like-minded individuals. This can limit exposure to different perspectives
16. Technology systems can make online spaces isolating, making extreme behaviours worse.
Negative speech spreads fast on social media, leading to violence, abuse, and false info. Using
fake names online add anonymity, causing different reactions compared to in-person
interactions with immediate feedback.
17. Knowing about these problems help us understand and expose the negative patterns in social
media. Finding solutions to digital world as part of our lives, but our overall life is shaped by
both online and offline experiences working together.
18. Online, division and hatred affect many people. We can’t ignore it; we must not stay silent. To
make digital spaces more humane, we need to remember those who are left out. By looking at
things from their perspective, like the wounded man in a story (parable of the good Samaritan),
we learn more about the challenges in our complex world.
Weaving relationship
19. Social media can make us more divided, each person staying in their own bubble. This can lead
to indifference, extreme views, and polarization. When people see others only as a different
opinion, it adds to a culture of ignoring each other. To bring hope, we need to connect and be
friends with people who have different views, a culture of meeting and making peace.
20. We urgently need to use social media to connect with people outside our groups and welcome
those with different views. Its not easy, as seen in stories like cain in the Bible who refused to
care for his brother. Sometimes, we try to justify ignoring others, setting limit on who we
consider neighbours. This makes grow indifferent and less passionate to others’ suffering
21. The good Samaritan story teaches us to deal with the online world by being kind and reaching out to
others. We should step out of our comfort zone and make an effort to connect with people. It works
when we see ourselves as part of a hurting world and remember when someone was compassionate to
us.
22. We should be the ones to start caring and not be indifferent, just like we believe in a caring God. Instead
of asking how much we have to care, we should act like neighbours, rejecting exclusion and building a
sense of community. We need to shift from seeing digital media as a personal experience to using it to
connect with others and build a community.
23. How can we make online spaces better by encouraging respectful conversations, empowering
communities to build connection, and fostering trust and collaboration.
24. To bring positive change online, engage with others meaningfully, challenge yourself in
interactions, and prioritize real relationships over superficial connections. While digital
interactions are valuable, nurturing your relationship with God and requires prayer and
participation in the sacramental life of the Church, which go beyond the digital realm.
58. The article says we can make the internet better by promoting trust and fairness. It suggest that
by working together, we can encourage companies to play a positive role and make the internet
a heathier place for everyone. The main point is that we have the power to improve digital
media
59. The church acknowledges the importance of social media, in tis journey. During the lockdowns,
online liturgical broadcasts brought comfort to those unable to attend in person. However,
there’s a need to consider how to use the social media effectively while preserving the sacred
nature of the sacraments. Questions arise about potential commercial misuse, such as
retransmitting Holy Mass.
60. The article says we need to understand the meaning of participating in the Eucharist, especially
at home, it suggests connecting church rituals with family celebrations, rebuilding the link
between our family tables and the Altar where we spiritually connect through the Holy
Eucharist.
61. The articles make us to understand that eating together at a table involves all our senses, teaches
us to pay attention. It compares this to the Eucharist, saying it is not just watching but a
meaningful experience that nourishes the entire person.
62. The article makes to understand the important of embodiment in Christianity. It noted that God
took on a physical form, experiencing suffering, death, and resurrection in a body. After
ascending into heaven, these experiences are connected to sacraments. Serving as a way for
heavenly blessing to be shared with believers.
63. The text says that real connection happens when people gather in the name of Jesus, not just
online. Pope Francis says the internet is okay, but it id not a substitute of meeting physically.
Families using the internet to plan and then come together at a table is good. Similarly, a church
using it to coordinate and then celebrating together is also good. The church is like a network,
connected through Eucharistic communion not just online likes.
64. Effective communication on social media for Christian content creators involves on social
media goes beyond strategies and tools. It emphasizes giving ones’ whole life, communicating
with heart, soul, and action. Reflecting on Gods style involves closeness, compassion, and
tenderness, affirming Jesus commands to love one and other.
65. The main point here is that our communication, whether through words, posts, or actions,
should reflect the love and style of Christ. It makes us understand that how we express ourselves
is as important as the content of our message, stating the importance of love in effective
communication.
66. When we communicate, we should be truthful, helpful and positive. The perfect of example is
Jesus who is the only truth. The idea is that truthful communications builds connection, while
lies harm our sense of belonging.
67. Messages are more persuasive when shared by community member. Stressing the important of
acing collectively, especially on social media, and encourages setting aside personal goals to
work together as a connected group. The focus is on communication that promotes our sense of
belonging.
68. Creativity is best achieved through collaboration and community, not relying solely on
individuals’ genius. So there is an importance to work together, embracing diverse talent, and
promoting a sense of belonging in communication with one another.
69. The article is saying that stories are important because they grab our attention, help us to
understand the world, and bring people together, especially in the chaos of digital culture.
70. The article makes us to understand that telling a story, like Jesus did with the parable of the
good Samaritan can be effective than arguing when faced with criticism. By sharing a narrative,
one can shift the focus from defence to promoting a positive message, promoting solidarity, and
helping others understand the importance of compassion and connection to our lives.
71. In this article the point here is that sharing personal experiences and stories, like the early
followers did with Jesus, is a powerful way to attract others to Christian discipleship. While
storytelling is important, systematic explanation of the faith through creeds and doctrinal works
also play an important role in the evangelization.
72. In today’s world people seek moral and spiritual guidance from influencers on social media, as
traditional sources may not always provide it. Success for these influencers is tied to their ability
to stand out and attract a large follower by inspiring and motivating others with their ideas and
experiences.
73. Social network can be good or bad. They can bring people together or cause problems. Online
discussion should be positive and fair.
74. Every person, especially Christians, has influence on social media, big or small. The message
matters more than the messengers’ quality. Being responsible is important, especially with more
followers. Public figures should make use of serving their community over personal opinions
online.
75. The main idea is that Christian should be careful on social medial, avoiding content that causes
conflict, division, and misunderstanding. It is better to calm, not reacting impulsively, and
promoting a positive and peaceful approach online.
76. On social media, Christian should share stories, support project promoting human dignity,
reduce digital inequality, and collaborate globally. It encourages acting together as a community,
emphasizing unity over individual influence, reflecting the essence of Christian communion and
a universal fraternity.
77. The idea here is that Christian on social media should not just share information but also be
good listeners, treat others with respect, and prioritize living out their faith rather than trying to
convert others. Its about embodying Christian online interactions
78. Being a witness means showing Gods love through sacrificial living. It is not about gaining
followers for ourselves but pointing others to Christ by following his examples of love and
communion.
79. Faith, like Jesus showed, is about connecting with people where they are. Jesus focus more on
spending time with God, not just popularity. The focus is on revealing God’s love, not just
gaining followers. Christian should follow Jesus by spending personal time with God
remembering the deeper meaning of the cross.
80. Our role as witnesses, including on social media, is to share the joy and hope given by Christ.
This is done with gratitude, humility, and gentleness, arising curiosity in others and allowing
God to work in hidden ways.
81. The key point is that our online interactions, if approach with compassion, can turn into
meaningful connections where we help and support each other. This reflects God’s mercy and
brings a sense of unity and connection, resembling the promised kingdom of God.
82. By being caring and genuine online, we can help people connect personally with the church and
experience healing for their wounds, leading to complete joy.