Social+Networking+-+What+Does+the+Church+Have+to+Say

** Assignment #2 What Does the Church Have to Say About Social Networking? **
Expected time to complete reading and the written assignment: 15 - 45 minutes

Your assignment for this segment is to post a SHORT reflection paragraph about what you learned from reading ONE of the church publications listed below. Your reflection can be about anything you found interesting or relevant to your ministry in your reading. For example, you could reflect on your role as a catechist in maintaining a safe online environment in compliance with the diocesan guidelines. Or you could reflect on the themes related to moral responsibility that you read about in Inter Mirifica. Choose something that is interesting and relevant to you.
 * [|World Communications Day Message 2011]
 * [|USCCB Guidelines for Use of Social Media]
 * [|Diocese of St. Petersburg, Guidelines for Social Networking, 2011]
 * [|Inter Mirifica]

// Remember to select the "Edit" button, and add your name, the document you read, and your reflection below. When you are done, be sure to click on "Save." //

// Post your reflection paragraph below using the following format: //

Document - World Communications Day Message 2011 Reflection - In reading Pope Benedict's message "Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age", I was struck by the optimism of his message. An optimism which encourages the use of social media as a means of not only evangelization //(goes without saying, right?)// but of connectedness with others. In addition, there is an emphasis on being truly authentic in our communications on social networking sites and not hide our true selves. I feel this is truly a timeless message for life in general that will show me something new each time I read it (and I plan to re-read this message often.) //"...believers encourage everyone to keep alive the eternal human questions which testify to our desire for transcendence and our longing for authentic forms of life, truly worthy of being lived. It is precisely this uniquely human spiritual yearning which inspires our quest for truth and for communion and which impels us to communicate with integrity and honesty." PB16)// Name - Ruth Appel

Thank you all for your wonderful reflections! As I read through them I see some new insights that you have come to. Thank you! (S. Caroline) Document: Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI for the 43rd World Communications Day Reflection: How insightful this message is. In simple terms, we must fight fire with fire, meet the enemy in the arena where the battle has been waged since the internet was started, engaging in this matrix of virtual reality as we evangelize and promote love, dignity, respect to the corners of the globe, in every language and culture, and thus push back on the evils till they are overcome. I hadn�t thought of this before in these terms. Now I see that it is more than just a convenience, but rather a moral obligation to further God�s purpose in the world. What I am really curious to find out, what has been thought on the subject of making the technology reach those who have less access whether due to financial or educational hardship? Ann Ferguson

Diocesan Policies What can I say? There are a lot of rules and policies established by the Diocese to ensure safe environments however a person has contact with the church. I remember hearing a presentation on Social Media to youth ministers & DRE's a couple of years ago. At that time most of the refferences were with reguard to teens in a parish/school. As this doecuement has been updated its more apparent that various Entities of the Diocese are using social media for adults and youth, and children. I know that as I develop social media for parish faith formation I will keep refering to the diocesan policy often to make sure all my ducks are in a row. Lynn Edmonds

Document: World Communications Day and Diocese of St. Pete Guidelines Reflection: What I found most profound was the statement in the DOSP regarding the role particularly the priests use of __#|social media__ giving a soul to the communication that makes up the "web". I feel we all can contribute good to the soul of the web. When we do see negative or untruthful comments about christians or Catholics, we can use the same tools to direct people to the truth. Name:Susan Smith

Document: InterMirifica Reflection: I was amazed that something that was written almost 50 years ago has such relavance for today. I even send a copy to 2 folks--one who was a journalist and one to a young adult who is studying social media. Name: Kathy Filippelli

Document: Diocese of St. Petersburg, Guidelines for Social Networking, 2011 Reflection: I’m hoping that as evangelization spreads throughout Social Networking via technology, the inspiration of the Holy Father’s guidance for “respect, dialogue, and friendship” does not remain merely a lofty ideal. It needs to be grounded in the day-to-day reality of how people actually interact. I appreciate how clearly the guidance of the DOSP was organized: Use in Ministry to Young People, Adults, Employees and Volunteers (Teachers, Ministry Leaders, etc.), and Parishes, Schools, Offices, and Programs. The Sample Media Consent Statement will be expecially useful as we begin this summer’s Vacation Bible School. Name: Phil Coit

Name: Eulogio Olivo Rivera Document: World Communication's Day 2011 Reflection: Pope Benedict XVI, being the great theologian that he is, makes a superb remark about makes should be the purpose of exchanging information. He resumes saying that "the the communication between the producer and the consumer of the message should not only be an exchange of ideas, but (I add) and foremost, a method of sharing. Through the Internet and the social network, I have experienced this sharing of communication with others, specially in the Hispanic community, as I write in different websites of theological issues. You must make it your business to share the good news through this media. It is obvious, that words must be appropriate and to the theme you are developing. But, under any means, this sharing of ideas through the social network is never over or more than meeting the creation of God face to face.

Name: Mary Miller Document: World Communication's Day Message, 2011 Reflection: Pope Benedict made several good points that impressed upon me the importance of helping our youth and their parents with the appropriate use of social networking - the danger of possibly (even inadvertently) communicating how you want others to perceive you as opposed to how you really are; that virtual contact should never replace human contact; and that the truth is not determined by popularity. These would all be great topics for Youth Ministry Faith Formation discussion. We have a responsibility to filter everything through the lens of Christian charity and faith, and to me that includes emphasizing there is a human face, heart and spirit behind that name on Facebook. Name: Cheryle Daniel Document you read: Diocese of St. Petersburg, Guidelines for Social Networking, 2011 My reflection paragraph: I was very happy to read the Diocesan guidelines for for Social Networking. I now have some guidelines to __#|follow__ when I __#|work__ with my students and other teachers. I also have something to present to my administrators that shows that the Church is open to using Social Networking. I appreciate the step-by-step instructions for setting up my school Facebook page, found in the appendix on page 13. Glad to hear you are making the most of our resources! As a leader in our diocese, it's also good to know what the diocese gives us as __#|guidance__.Thanks, Cheryl. CM

Name: Amy Acker Mobley Document: USCCB Guidelines for Use of __#|Social Media__ I decided to read this one because I have already checked out the diocesan one. I find it is good to know what the US Bishops have to say on things too. I found the part about Accountability very interesting and had not thought of that as a way to keep track of where my group is out. I actually expected them to have more content than they did however I realize regulating would be at a diocesan level. Yes, the USCCB seem to set the broad agenda and then allow individual bishops and diocesan personnel to figure out how to implement. That puts a lot of shared responsibility on all of us. CM Name: Pauline Archard Document I read: Inter Mirifica of Pope Paul VI Even though it was written nearly 50 years ago, the Inter Mirifica addresses the huge promise of Social Communication in ways that are completely valid and relevant in today's world: entertainment, instruction and the spread and support of the __Kingdom of God__. It challenges us, the laity, to "strive to instill Christian spirit and purity of thought" into these media, so that we might "instruct men in their proper use in spreading the "Good News of Salvation." Even when we recognize, as this Document did, that we must be very cautious about keeping these messages free from the wrong kinds of content, the message is still crystal clear. We need to embrace all the good that it __#|offers__, and protect against all that would detract from our purpose. L et the weeds grow up among the wheat... As ministers of the Gospel, we must strive to develop a certain flexibility and comfort level for walking among sinfulness while retaining our integrity as Christians. CM

Name: Karen Heaphy

Document you read: Diocese of St. Petersburg, Guidelines for Social Networking, 2011 <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The guidelines re-enforce the importance of remembering that in ministry we represent the Church to others. That there may be times when it might be tempting to "write off the cuff" but once you publish something you really can't take it back. It has been read by someone and passed to others. This document cautions that we read things carefully before posting and involve others in our efforts. As I was reading the guidelines, it occurred to me that the guidelines apply to any situation where we are in the public eye. That being said, I thought the guidelines were encouraging to those in ministry to use the social media to "fish" that new horizon for missionary endeavors - the internet and social media. Professional development and formation as lay leaders is so important. I believe we can do this. We can be self-directed learners and live us to high standards. The first steps include being aware of the guidelines and standards that already exist! - CM <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Name: Sherry Foecking

<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I started by reading the Inter Mirifica and got so interested I went on to read most of the others. <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the first place, I was delighted to realize that the Catholic Church at so many levels was cognicent of the power of social networking. It should not have surprised me however, for as far back as parables and morality plays, the Church has always chosen bring the Word of God to people in relevant ways, to both catch their attention, hold interest and then to instruct and inspire...The very basis of good teaching. <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The goals set forth in the Inter Mirifica are so critical in dealing with our modern world, yet how many of our parents and/or teachers are even aware of such a document exists?? How many senior Pastors and Parish Council Members are embracing the dissemination of such information rather than getting the funds to fix a leaky roof? The time, money and spiritual demands on parishes these days are so huge and borne by a relative few, social networking might easily be dismissed as "kids playing games". But for young people, social media is "where it's at" and it is critical that churches, schools, scouts and after school programs recognize the power of this influence on the minds and choices of the young (and not quite so young). Here is a place for meaningful evangilization by all of us. Isn't it exciting? I mean really! It's like this document lay dormant until BOOM the world was ready to read its message anew in teh 21st Century!!! - CM Name: Susan Ajoc Document read: [|World Communications Day Message 2011] Reflection: When I read " I would like then to invite Christians, confidently and with an informed and responsible creativity, to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible." from Pope Benedict XVI, my first thought was "Wow - even the Pope is encouraging the use of technology". Although a user of technology, I've been resistant to social media. I was surprised to read that there has a been World Communications Day since 1967 as a result of Vatican II. What surprised me is that I don't recall ever hearing of it but perhaps I wasn't open to hearing it. Proclaiming the Gospel may take a variety of forms in which to convey the message. If we are to be successful in building relationships, we have to meet people where they are at - at times that will be through social media and networking. Right on. And we know that social media such as FB will not reach ALL people, but it must be a part of our Gospel strategy if we are to be responsible stewards of our resources (including online resources) in this era. - CM Name: Dale Brown Document Read: Inter Mirifica

I read Inter Mirifica first and except for a few exceptions, I felt like I was reading something written closer to 2012 than 1963. The first line of the second paragraph of the introduction says, "The Church recognizes that these media, if properly utilized, can be of great service to mankind, since they greatly contribute to men's entertainment and instruction as well as to the spread and support of the Kingdom of God." Yet, I feel that out of some sort of fear, we are being preached at and encouraged to turn away from, or unplug from the media. How unfortunate that many of our leaders have not understood this, utilized it, or reinforced its healthy use in our parishes. Then they bemoan the fact that we have uninvolved, disengaged, uniformed parishioners whose only source of information from the parish is the tired weekly bulletin - which many don't even bother to read anymore. Certainly there must be balance, and moral responsibility is essential. But there also has to at least be some starting point to making good use of the media opportunities. Yes, Dale, and as you know, the laity of the Church will likely be the ones to demonstrate how this can be done. It's fantastic that our bishops and Holy Father have communication media on their radar scope, and that we are given Inter Mirifica and subsequent WCD documents, but the laity are the ones who must find ways to creatively implement media for evangelization. - CM Name: Kelli Bonner Document: Message for the 45th World Communications Day

In this address, Pope Benedict takes a VERY open-minded approach to social media and to the Internet in general. He expresses his confidence in humanity when he says, “Believers who bear witness to their most profound convictions greatly help prevent the web from becoming an instrument which depersonalizes people, attempts to manipulate them emotionally or allows those who are powerful to monopolize the opinions of others.” He encourages us “confidently and with an informed and responsible creativity, to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible.” This address is an invitation to the digital domain. It is the guidelines that insist we err on the side of caution. //Both// are necessary to increase the Kingdom in the digital age. It's all about relationship, and that will not change! Our model of who we are as human beings is Trinity, after all. I agree that the Church is quite open-minded. - CM Name: Ruth E Manalndro Document: Message for the 45th World Communications Day Pope Benedict XVI takes a stance for social media and the internet. The Pope urges the use of the internet and social media as a means to communicate and provide catechesis with Catholics today. The Pope encourages Catholics to join social media to create relationships and therefore create a network of believers. The Pope gives guidelines on how to use social media as a means of Catechesis and therefore increasing the Kingdom of God in this digital age. And wait until you read a few more of the WCD messages. They are facinating! Many common themes throughout all of them, even from the 1960s. As I read them, I really got a sense that our Church is the bell of truth, ringing consistently through the ages of change. - CM <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">Name: Barbara J. Eretto Document: USCCB Guidelines for use in social Media. This document states "Social media offer both opportunities and challenges to Catholic organizations. These can be grouped into three primary categories:

> > These are very viable and important categories to consider when discussing Social Media..... visibility because we need to stop and consider how visibile are we on the internet. How do others perceive us! How do we perceive one another.. Community: What type of online community are we building for our young people. What guidelines will we put into place in order that our young people are kept safe. and finally Accountability: all people need to sit behind that which they are saying. Holding people accountable for their words and actions online is viable for a good dialogue to take place among those posting in the social network I agree, and our professional standards, as articulated in the ISTE/NETS, will help us all understand what it means to be accountable and responsible as we learn to use the new tools of social media.CM
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: left;">Visibility
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: left;">Community
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: left;">Accountability"

Name: Rachele Deering Document: USCCB Guidelines for Use of Social Media

What amazes me is how children and adults can spend so much time on the computer either working, doing homework, or just surfing the web, and can't seem to spend a fraction of that time reading about their faith. We are given so many different resources and are not taking it. We feel that going to church is enough, but what I have found out personally, reaching people via the web is another powerful tool. Showing the students the safe way to use their resources to reach out and learn more about their faith, would be my goal. Yes, and in observing many schools (where technology integration has been the norm for quite a while), faith formation catechists can learn how students CAN be educated to use the Internet responsibly, and can be held accountable when they don't. - CM Name: Ginny Nolan Document: Message of Pope Benedict XVI for 45th World Communications Day

Recalling when I tried to initiate a Facebook page years ago in our parish and was told by our diocese not to proceed as there was too much risk involved. So refreshing to see the importance of the postive impact we can have in cyberworld. I like Pope Benedict's comment that we essentially have to be the instrument that counteracts all the negative aspects of the web. Christ is counting on us! Ginny, I love your comment. Sr. Caroline was instrumental in inspiring me to "just do it" in my home parish. I first had to establish myself as someone who was responsible in other ways, and then work within a parish entiy (Pastoral Council) to make it hapen, but now we do have a responsible, thriving FaceBook presence in our parish. - CM

Name: Sybil J. Steuart Document: //Inter Mirifica// Reflection: In reading this document, I was struck by how the message speaks to us today even though it is almost 50 years old. I would hope that on its 50th anniversary, the Pope will reissue this document with updates relevant for the media of today. What continually stood out for me was the realization that this document doesn’t seem to be in the forefront of the minds of pastors or laity in how they view social media. How many dioceses have written guidelines for everyone not just on press releases? How many actually utilize their Communications office for evangelization in this area? I am fortunate that my pastor is young and uses all the social media technology, but how many pastors are wary of emails much less all the other forms of networking? Perhaps dioceses need to train their clergy in this area. My belief is that the laity will provide leadership in showing how social media can be used responsibly. When you learn about blogging in this course, and see how the Vatican held a blogger's summit last year, you will see a good model of how the Church can provide an authoritative "OK - go for it" while letting the people do the actual work. I think that's a good thing. But as good Catholics, we do want our authorities to give that initial OK, so the diocesan support is really critical for success! - CM Name: Mary Jane Spirk Document: USCCB Guidelines for Use of Social Media I was very happy to see the document contained information regarding working with minors and the importance of informing parents. Recently in a public school setting my grandson was taught how to use Google with the knowledge of his parents and was soon googling away without their knowledge, innocently coming up with inapproiate sites. Very important to keep parents informed when teaching or using new technology. Yes, parent involvement must be built in to this process. Sadly, many parents simply abdicate their responsibility and by the time their children are in trouble, it's too late for them to intervene. Being a preschool teacher, I think parents need more guidance on how to parent from day 1. Being a teacher, I want to instruct and set up expectations in order for creativity to flourish. Got to have both! - CM Name: Sue Sharlow Document: Inter Mirifica This document is bittersweet. It's both affirming and a bit sobering re-reading this document. Promulgated in 1963, Pope Paul I think with a somewhat heavy heart, surely could see what was coming, although he kept it positive, and hence hopeful. The use of social media, is analogous to our use of free will in this life here on Earth. Used well and responsibly, I.T. is a great blessing; people using the gifts and talents that God gives us to grow the Kingdom. Used irresponsibly, is perversion of a Good thing, and we all know that perversion on the internet is rampant. But the gates of hell will not prevail. Like any Good gift, once we receive it we must be good stewards of it, share it and use it to God's glory. So, once we're turned on to social media, we'd be wrong to go hermit and pretend it doesn't exist or it's not for us. Like with the gift of faith, we must continually stretch a little beyond our comfort zones, learn it, use it and share it. Very wise insight here, Sue, especially the part about stretching beyond our comfort zone. I guess we must remember that people are people: we will push the limits; we will make mistakes; we will even deliberately sin. God's grace will call us back. CM Name: Kevin Hansut Documents: Inter Mirifica and Message of Pope Bendict XVI on on World Communications Day

What stood out to me is the underlying theme of both documents and a rule of communications that has prevailed for nearly 2000 years. That is St. Paul's exclamation " woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel". This is an awesome responsibility for us all,as lay ministers to maintain that basic premise, while paying attention to the other guidelines, public opinion, circumstances, and timing of our social media posts. It is very easiy to get sidetracked or distracted by emotions, likes or dislikes. We have a responsibility always to be centered on the Lord, his word and promise of our salvation in our virtual media and lives. While ok to change the wording to meet our group - the base message must always be remembered and i am extremely honored and pleased our Popes have seen the opportunity and given us the task. Yes! If we see this only as an opportunity to play with a new toy, we are misusing it. It really is just a different way to deliver the message of the Gospel. Great comment! -CM Name Nina Liwski Document USCCB Social Media Guidelines

"Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel" ( 1Cor 9:16) The bishops chose this powerful scripture passage to begin the guidelines and it truly is something I will remember when I don't feel like doing all this work. Basically, I am familiar with these guidelines but reread them looking for new insights. I liked the idea of using social media to develope "true friendships" and to evangelize which is our mission through our baptism. I also like the progression from monolog to dialogue which the social media offers. The shift from "one to many" to "many to many" has many benefits. The warning of having at least 2 or preferably more administrators is important as is the need for constant input and monitoring. I am glad I reread this document. I'm glad you were familiar with it. I hope we will have time to share how we are using and experiencing social media in our parishes and schools, and what are our "best practices." We have much to learn from one another! - CM Janet Mitchell USCCB Social Media Guidelines I was glad to see that much thought has been given by the Bishops to guidelines for social media. We seem to be playing catch up in using technology to communicate to one another. One thing that was not mentioned is that in setting up a facebook page for a parish or church ministry is that it should be setup as a business. This gives the host more control over the content that is shown and it also stops bleeding over when you have people who are on your own page and that of your organization. (this is my second attempt, hope this one stays.) It is very interesting that social media sites were not created for business or religious purposes, but that we have adapted them to our needs and uses. Yes, getting familiar enough with the features and set-up is very important. I wish I could say "yeah, I knew all about that," but the truth is that we (our parish) relied on our 18 year old consultant to help us set everything up! LOL - CM

USCCB Social Media Guidelines and the Diocese of St. Petersburg Guidelines for Social Networking 2011: I hadn't given much thought as to the Catholic churches position on social networking and did not realize that it had been a topic of discussion for over 40 years, so I was very interested in reading what our Bishops had to say on social media. Communication through social networking is an excellent way to share and reflect our Catholic values and the teachings of the Catholic Church. I also find it interesting that the Diocese of St Petersburg's guidelines encourage communication in ministry through social networks such as FACEBOOK only through an "official page". - JM I believe the recommendation for "official page" communication only is the Church's efforts to protect both parishioners and employees/volunteers. That protection could be both from serious incident, accusation or even reputation. Having official boundaries helps set the tone for the communication as well... Kristi

Reflection: I selected this article because I wanted to see the expectations of our diocese. I had to reflect a moment on the opening scriptural passage before reading further. I have a better understanding now of how the fishermen felt when they lowered their nets into the water after several unsuccessful attempts. They must have thought Jesus was off His rocker when He said to lower the nets again. I don't know that they had faith but they did have trust and love for Jesus so they lowered the nets and probably had enough fish for many sermons on the mountain. I feel like the fish I'm trying to catch is just understanding Facebook, Twitter etc. Honestly, I have not finished reading this article and the first six pages I did read I had to reread several times. There is so much to learn and think about. For an example I read that an individual may not have multiple accounts on Facebook but designing a "group" account is an alternative and perhaps less of a privacy concern. I think I am going to have to read this article again! I feel like I have lowered my net into the "deep waters" of social networking and sometimes I feel like I just get seaweed and no fish. Regardless, I'll keep on fishing. - kmk47 It is a new language, indeed! Almost like entering a play after the First Act- you know something is going on, but it's a bit hard to catch up with the rest of the audience! The great thing, abotu social networking and fishing, is that the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Thanks for trying... Kristi Document: **// INTER MIRIFICA //** Reflection: //“It is the duty of Pastors to instruct and guide the faithful so that they, with the help of these same media, may further the salvation and perfection of themselves and of the entire human family.”// This sentence struck me. Social media in my life and in our home, is really a channel for furthering us educationally or recreationally. My husband and I keep up with industry articles and websites, our kids play appropriate games for 4 and 3-year olds, and we have a family blog to update our distant family with pictures and news. Because of this, I don’t naturally consider social media a tool for furthering salvation or perfecting self. In a sense, though, if we go by “you can’t take it with you”, what are we leaving this earth, electronically? Bits and bytes of senseless drivel or intentional and thoughtful contributions to the world wide web? Really good food for thought.
 * DIOCESE OF ST. PETERSBURG, GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL NETWORKING**

Name: Lori Crawford It's true- a lot of us jump into habits without considering our purpose. If we can say the Gospel is for everyday and not just Sunday, we can say it's for books and screens too! Not that each activity needs to be specifically "Jesus centric", but that our goals and attitudes help us to witness to Him online as well... Kristi Name: Ana L. Munoz (ALM) Document: INTER MIRIFICA

I think that it is amazing that you could read a document from 1969 and still apply it to todays world, especially to social media. The section I would like to reflect on is section 5, which says: "The proper exercise of this right demands, however, that __**the news itself that is communicated should always be true and complete, within the bounds of justice and charity**__. In addition, __**the manner in which the news is communicated should be proper and decent**__. This means that in both the search for news and in reporting it, __**there must be full respect for the laws of morality and for the legitimate rights and dignity of the individual**__. For not all knowledge is helpful, but "it is charity that edifies."(1) I underlined and bolded the parts that I consider key when using social media. It has been my personal experience that people uses social media to express themselves in such ways that it is hard not feel offended or misjudged by their comments. Aggressive postings against catholic believes and believers are an everyday matter in social media, consciously or unconsciously these inappropriate comments reach thousands of people whose faith may not be strong enough to fight against these messages, or to simply ignore them. I think that it is a challenge to express your religious views and/or believes in a respectful, proper manner. It is a challenge, but the right thing to do ... If we plan to use social media for evangelization, our communication should always be positive, motivational, inspirational, and an example of respect for the dignity of all individuals, no matter their social background, religion, race, or nationality. It is in our hands to set up a good example for others to follow. Social media, opens the door for us to show who we really are as catholics and what we want to accomplish as missionaries. Very true, Ana, in many ways religion (and politics!) are considered 'off topic' for so much of social media- some people say they just want to be entertained, and yet our formation as people has a lot to do with where and how we spend our time (and what we see and hear there!). What strikes me out of your highlighted phrases is that because social media is a "new way" or intermediary for people to communicate, it can be hard to do so in a "proper and decent" way. It can be hard to remember at the other end of the screen is a real person, whom we should respect! I think this is an area where those of us in the Church can gently bear witness to the Light, in helping people interact WITH other people and not just with 'a screen'.