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.