Here at Catholic-Link, we are obviously big fans of the internet, social media, social networking; we are present on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest.

Those of us in the international Catholic-Link team have met, collaborated and even become friends online. Two of the Spanish language team, who only knew each other through the internet, have collaborated in the publication of an actual book!

From my own experience with illness the internet has been a lifeline, enabling me to stay in touch with friends I wasn’t well enough to see and now, helping me maintain Christian friendships around the world (as locally, I don’t have any). We are far from thinking the internet is evil – but the dangers of social media are well-publicized: cyberbullying, exploitation, grooming, identity theft…the list sometimes seems shockingly endless. And there is also the danger that our relationships may stay superficial, with authentic sharing from reduced to the sharing of cat videos. Here is a selection of videos that could be used to start a conversation on the internet and social media.

The first of these, Look Up is a poem that shows us what we might be missing out on, in terms of real friendship, if we spend too much time online (contains very small use of strong language).

Next, we have some statistics about social network use and its effects. There is some evidence that Facebook (other social networks are available) really does fry your brain.

And finally, for those who don’t seem to grasp quite how far removed from real-life social networks and social network relationships can there is the extremely funny social experiment from comedian Jena Kingsley

Look Up | Gary Tuck

Questions for Discussion

1. Are my actual friends and my ‘Facebook friends’ the same people?

2. Do I spend more time on social media than I do actually talking face to face?

3. When was the last time I wrote a letter (not an email, or chat)?

4. Do I check for messages or updates at the same time as doing something else – whilst watching TV, talking to someone, eating a meal?

5. Could I go 24 hours without the internet or social media?

6. When something happens – whether it be funny, sad, happy or just silly – is my first thought about the best way to share it on Facebook?

7. Do I recognize that I might be missing out in real life?

• 
  5 Things You Can Do To Show Your Priest You Appreciate Him
  Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn The work our priests perform in “shepherding the flock” is extensive and often taken for granted. The vocation extends far beyond Sunday and daily Mass, weddings, baptisms, spiritual direction, funerals, and myriad blessings, among other things. The church we visit each week, or perhaps only occasionally, has many facets within… Read more: 5 Things You Can Do To Show Your Priest You Appreciate Him
• 
  How Can You Offer Your Mass For An Intention? 3 Helpful Tips
  Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn I met Andy on a recent Mariam pilgrimage to Spain, France, and Portugal. He had a pleasant personality and a terrific sense of humor. I became more and more aware from talking with him that he was fighting some serious health issues. Over breakfast one morning that our group was… Read more: How Can You Offer Your Mass For An Intention? 3 Helpful Tips
• 
  Mary, Undoer Of Knots: How Our Mother Helped Me Heal My Marriage And Find My (little v) Vocation
  Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn You can find images of Mary throughout my day  – tiny figurines on my bookshelves, a TinySaint keychain on my bag, a fun sticker on my laptop or Stanley cup, and even Marian images in my phone camera roll that I stumbled upon and loved.  I’ve heard that many converts… Read more: Mary, Undoer Of Knots: How Our Mother Helped Me Heal My Marriage And Find My (little v) Vocation
• 
  The Forgotten Half Of Rerum Novarum
  Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Like many, I became interested in learning more about Rerum Novarum, the encyclical known as the foundation of modern Catholic Social Teaching, when our new pope chose the new Leo. Leo XIV even explained to the College of Cardinals that his choice of name was mainly inspired by Leo XIII’s… Read more: The Forgotten Half Of Rerum Novarum
• 
  Over 20 Practical Ways To Love Your Husband And Renew Your Marriage
  Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn There are many things that I wish I knew when I was younger. One of those is that a man’s primary core need is to be respected. Women desire to be respected too, but men equate love with respect. To them, to be respected is to be loved. I have… Read more: Over 20 Practical Ways To Love Your Husband And Renew Your Marriage