According to Reuters, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England is concerned with emails, texting, and social networks because of an increased risk of suicide.
In addition, he says:
I think there’s a worry that an excessive use, or an almost exclusive use of text and emails means that as a society we’re losing some of the ability to build interpersonal communication that’s necessary for living together and building a community.
I think that the latter is definitely a reasonable risk and could lead to the issue of “dehumanizing” as he’s mentioned.
Is it the social network’s fault? Web technology’s fault? Or just the people? (Is it the gun or the person using the gun?)
[Image from Bayat]
Daniel_Berman says
While there may be some initial confusion, I think it will be eventually decided that its the person behind the gun who is ultimately responsible….
Jim says
it's the person…
Katie Kinsey says
Guns don't kill people. People kill people, and monkeys kill people if you give them guns.
Kevin_Ring says
It's the person but that doesn't mean the tool isn't dangerous. Social networks offer opportunity for us to feel connected and known. But as a substitute for being intimately known by and knowing God, the risk for idolatry is huge. Particularly because of the different desires of the heart the Interwebs can touch on: desire to be known, desire to be significant, desire for intimacy, desire for stuff, desire to escape, desire to be awesome…
I can easily see this story creating a lot of back and forth arguments among the Church as to how social media should be limited versus why it should be embraced. All of which will get us nowhere and will serve to reinforce a couple of the standard stereotypes about Christians.
Instead, we need to be consistently communicating that what all people need is to know who God really is and what He has done and is doing to redeem us. And point to how social networks can be a cool part of it… maybe even throw in a reference to Balaam… you know you want to.
Adam_S says
I agree. Staying with the gun analogy, if everyone that tried to kill with a knife instead of a gun, the intent would have still been there but many less people would be dead. It is just harder to kill with a knife than a guy. I think that is the same as what is going on here. Yes you have always been able to withdraw from society, but modern tools make it much easier to do that.
Stuart says
I for one agree that social media is in itself, not responsible for suicide but it is dehumanising people and enabling them to live secluded and ultimately lonely lives. Which I guess can lead one to the ultimate selfish act.
As with the gun do we blame it – no we don't as even in a world without guns / social media people would still kill and take their own lives.
joannamuses says
I doubt there is anything particularly new here. People have always had ways to withdraw themselves from meaningful real world relationships if they want to- whether that be the internet, running away or shutting oneself in a closet.
You could also make the opposite argument about the internet and suicide and argue that it can be beneficial to at risk people by providing them with more ways to reach out for help.
Adam_S says
I did find it interesting that Engaget reported on this. http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/02/head-of-roman-…
They actually pretty much agreed with the statement.
mike St. Pierre says
To me, the RC Church is pointing out something very subtle about technology- it still doesn't replace the need for face to face, in person communication. If I only Twitter and Facebook, I'm missing out on something vital to being human and Christian.
Easy to hide behind a laptop and social networks…
stephenbateman says
Is there any scientific/empirical evidence to the claim? Or did the CChurch just kind of…guess?
human3rror says
i guessed, just like all my other 1000 or so posts. just theory.
stephenbateman says
k sorry I should've read the article.
So bishop Nichols thinks that increased transient relationships will translate to higher suicide. Makes sense. my bad.
Debt says
complex post. due one detail where I contest with it. I am emailing you in detail.