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?

• 
  How Sacred Art Can Elevate Your Prayer Time
  For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to sacred art. I used to buy books as a kid about the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo. Ironically, I had no idea of their Catholic ties, nor would the term “sacred art” have been in my vocabulary. I was simply mesmerized by the beauty. It […]
• 
  Pro-Life Strategy: Keep Focused, Stay On Target, Stick To The High Road
  On May 2, a friend texted me a news alert claiming that a leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court showed that a majority of justices were prepared to overturn the infamous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that created a national entitlement to abortion. I’ll admit that my first reaction was to roll my eyes […]
• 
  The Importance Of The Theology Of Play For Adults
  Have you ever noticed with amusement that when children are let loose in a big, empty field they will immediately start running around gleefully, inventing some game, playing tag, finding random sticks to use as swords—completely unprompted and with complete, joyous abandon. Where does that spontaneity, creative energy, and love for games go once we […]
• 
  Thoughts And Prayers From The 13 Patron Saints Of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023
  World Youth Day will take place August 1-6, 2023 in Lisbon. The motto chosen from Luke 1:39, “Mary arose and went with haste,” is one that will speak to the hearts of the thousands of young people expected to join Pope Francis in prayer during this international faith gathering. Catholics are asked to begin interceding […]
• 
  How To Throw A Baby Shower For The Blessed Mother: A Planning Guide
  Celebrate the Month of Mary Feast of the Annunciation by having a Baby Shower for the Blessed Virgin Mary! Invite the women you love to come over for an afternoon to honor and celebrate Mary and her Baby boy, Jesus! How To Host A Baby Shower For The Blessed Mother Here are some ideas to […]

Related content:

The Digital Retouch: The Difference Between Virtual Beauty And Real More Than Just Stereotypes: When “Virtual” Ends Up Ruining the “Now” (Funny!) 5 Videos that Will Surely Make You Want to Spend More Hours of Your Life in Front of a Screen When Love Is Real, Being Faithful Is A Pleasure How a Moby Video Accurately Describes the Problem With Today’s World Does Your Media Use Make You More Fully Alive? How Do We Communicate The Joy Of Family Life To The World?   In a World So Connected, Why Do I Feel So Alone? A video on social media and loneliness How Real (Catholic-Link) People Spend Valentine’s Day