Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will be in Vancouver March 19 to speak about the family. He is shown at a panel discussion on “Catholic media in challenging times” in January. (TV Maria photo)
For many Catholics giving up something for Lent, Candy Crush
is the new chocolate.
The addictive mobile game, along with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and a litany of other online distractions, is something that’s become popular for Catholics to give up for Lent. One Catholic radio host says he used to play the game for 15 minutes a day, until he realized that was 15 minutes he wasn’t devoting to something else, like good reading.
As they say, everything you say “yes” to is a “no” to something else.
So every Lent it becomes more common to see friends and followers check out of social media for 40 days. Chocolate and candy used to be the default Lenten abstinence. Now it’s YouTube and Snapchat.
As more and more gadget lovers set aside their devices, many will find themselves reflecting on the amount of time they spend on social media and other distractions. I can’t help but think that’s a good thing, especially if it continues post-Lent. I’ve learned from experience.
I tell my children there will always be more online conversations than anyone can possibly participate in. Trust me, I’ve tried. You could spend the entire day on Facebook and not even see a fraction of what your friends are posting. As with every other platform that offers a virtual open bar of content, unless you police yourself, overindulging can be as near as the next text or tweet.
That’s just the mobile universe. Netflix and cable TV offer enough programming to binge-watch 24/7 and still have enough left over to fill your DVR.
Theologians and experts on human behaviour theorize on what all this media consumption addiction stems from, whether it’s fear of missing out, or need for recognition, or impulse for instant gratification.
One thing is certain, however, it’s a perfect storm for closing oneself off from what’s important in life, from loved ones, to God.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who will be speaking in Vancouver March 19, said as much recently. The Manila archbishop told a forum on Catholic media that while social media has great potential for spreading the Gospel and connecting people, our constant connection to the digital world has become a “threat” and source of noise.
The cardinal noted “some people are proposing a digital detox. I don’t know how to do it. But they say we can do it through silence, a return to reflection and prayer life.”
Social media addiction has implications for our day-to-day life. Family experts warn of the consequences of bringing devices to the dinner table or bedroom. Social media use has been linked to poorer mental health including depression, anxiety, sleep problems, eating issues, and increased suicide risk.
Even Facebook admits certain social media use can harm mental health, while some former Facebook and Apple employees admit they’ve created a monster and are looking for ways to reduce the damage they’ve helped cause.
But the spiritual dimensions of closing ourselves off from God make the problem even more urgent. Cardinal Tagle tells of a priest who admitted instead of focusing on Christ and praying first thing in the morning, he now grabs his phone to check messages and Facebook.
When Cardinal Tagle comes to Vancouver, he’ll be speaking on Keeping Families in Faith: The Domestic Church in a Global Village. That happens to be one of the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Priorities and Goals: Strengthening Marriages and Families, something we’re putting large resources into with workshops and speakers. The next one is Saturday, March 3.
Cardinal Tagle arrives at an important moment, as we look for ways to support faith and family life in a very distracting world. And when it comes to distractions, social media is front and centre.