Friday, November 9, 2018

On the use of the social media


WE cannot doubt the many benefits we can derive from the
use of the social media. It facilitates communication which is a
necessity for all of us. We just have to know how to use it properly,
for definitely the possibility also is high to use it improperly.
  
            I am always of the belief that the new technologies we are
having now are actually posing new challenges to us, not only in the
area of knowing their technical mechanisms and how to take advantage
of them, but also and more importantly in the area of how to use it
properly.

            The finer points of the spiritual and moral requirements
of their use have to be considered most especially. This is the
greater and more important challenge actually. And I am afraid that
this aspect of the challenge is largely ignored. We cannot deny that
the new technologies have great potential to make us a better person.
But they can also cause serious, undescribable harm. Let’s not be
naïve.
  
            At the moment, a cursory look at the postings on Fb, for
example, simply shows all forms of self-indulgence and blatant
flauntings of vanity, flatteries, self-glorification, gossiping, etc.
If not these, then a lot of bashing, fault-finding and the like also
abound. To a certain extent, the social media can be used for
commercial purposes, but this too needs to be regulated. Coercive
chain-letters should be stopped.
  
            Even the expression of opinions is done almost without
charity. Very often, unnecessary feuds and disputes erupt over
unimportant matters. It would seem that these things are becoming the
new normal in our culture. We have to be very careful about this
trend. This can only lead us to greater trouble.
  
            We need to remind everyone to practice restraint and
moderation in the use of the social media. Everyone should have a
clear idea of the priorities of his duties and responsibilities and
give the appropriate time and effort there. Definitely, for most of us
the social media should not get much of our time and attention. For
sure, there are many other more important things to do.
  
            Besides, everyone should have a clear vision of what to do
there. We just cannot go to the social media to have a fill of our
curiosities. That would be tantamount to idleness and wasting time. Of
course, it would be good if we can have a clear idea of how much time
to allot on the social media. We should not be there all the time.
  
            In this regard, it would be advisable that our
interventions there are always positive and constructive. We should
proclaim the “Good News” more than merely opinable matters. Inspiring
and edifying stories and testimonies should dominate rather than
stories that sow intrigues and invite disputes.
  
            In other words, everyone should have purity of intentions
and should practice extreme delicacy in expressing views and opinions.
Given the often hasty treatment we give to the social media, we should
be more mindful of our tendency to be reckless in our interventions,
leading to a lot of misunderstandings.
  
            We should be quick to ask for forgiveness if for one
reason or another we may have offended someone there, as well as to
forgive everyone who may also have offended us in some way. We have to
learn to respect each other’s opinions, even if we do not agree with
them.
  
            We should see to it that the social media would truly
contribute to the common good. In this regard, we have to have some
clear criteria and standards to guide us in assessing the true value
of this powerful means of communication.
  
            Let’s hope that those in the communication business can
come up with some pertinent code of ethics and spread it around as
widely as possible. There definitely is a need for continuing
education and formation in this area.


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