| 05 mins read |
Kristen Fernandez
Effectiveness of Social Media Stewardship
Effective social media stewardship involves using social media platforms responsibly and in a manner that aligns with your personal and organizational values. Some key elements of good social media stewardship include:
Authenticity: Be genuine and transparent in your interactions and communications on social media. Avoid spreading false information or misleading others.
Respect: Treat others with respect and dignity, even if you disagree with their opinions or viewpoints. Avoid engaging in online harassment or bullying.
Privacy: Protect your own privacy and that of others by being mindful of the information you share on social media. Be cautious when sharing personal information, such as your full name, phone number, or home address.
Accuracy: Verify information before sharing it on social media. Avoid spreading false or misleading information, and take the time to fact-check your sources.
Responsibility: Take responsibility for your actions and the content you post on social media. Be mindful of the impact your words and actions can have on others.
THE CHURCH’S SOCIAL MISSION
The Social Task of the Church:
The elements of conflict now raging are unmistakable, in the vast expansion of industrial pursuits and marvelous discoveries of science; in the changed relations between masters and workmen; in the enormous fortunes of some few individuals, and the utter poverty of the masses; the increased self-reliance and closer mutual cooperation of the working classes; as also finally, in the prevailing moral degeneracy.
Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical Rerum Novarum (1819), 1
The Roots of Social Conflict:
As far as the Church is concerned, the social message of the Gospel must not be considered a theory, but above all else a basis and a motivation for action. Inspired by this message, some of the first Christians distributed their goods to the poor, bearing witness to the fact that, despite different social origins, it was possible for people to live together in peace and harmony. Through the power of the Gospel, down the centuries monks tilled the land, men and women religious founded hospitals and shelters for the poor, Confraternities as well as individual men and women of different states of life devoted themselves to the needy and to those on Margins of society, convinced as they were that Christ’s words “as you did to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40) were not intended to remain a pious wish, but were meant to become a concrete life commitment.
Pope John Paul II, Encyclical Centesimus Annus (1991),57
Representing the Church’s Values: Using social media to communicate and promote the church’s mission, values, and beliefs, and avoiding actions or posts that might damage its reputation.
Protecting Privacy and Confidentiality: Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of members and the wider community by avoiding the sharing of personal information, and adhering to data protection laws.
Upholding High Ethical Standards: Being mindful of the impact of social media on society, and avoiding actions or posts that might be harmful, offensive, or divisive.
Encouraging Community Engagement: Using social media to foster community engagement, to connect with members, and to share important news and updates.
Providing a Safe and Inclusive Space: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and followers, and actively addressing and reporting any abusive or harmful content.
By following these guidelines, you can be a responsible and effective steward of social media, helping to create a positive and inclusive online community.
Effectiveness of Social Media Stewardship for the Youth
We are all familiar with the quote “Todays youth is tomorrows future.” Today’s youth need to discern the good from the bad. Social Media is an integral part of our society, especially among young people. It provides one a platform for communication, a way of expressing emotions and views, it is also a mode of meeting new people.
Teaching our youth stewardship of technology gives them a sense of accountability. They will understand it as ‘freedom within boundaries’. Having strategic conversations about social media with the youth, getting to know their main motive behind screen time and mindless scrolling will help us understand them better.
One advice that I would like to give the youth is to be mindful of your usage on social media, because once you get engrossed with it, it will form a habit and later you may find it difficult to adapt to the minimal usage of social media. Don’t make your device or social media your Idol, always remember to put God first in all that you do, make Him your idol and watch your life change.
I would like to end by giving a personal testimony, I was addicted to mindless scrolling on social media especially on Instagram. Since I have started praying about it, the Holy Spirit helps me be aware and reminds me not to give into the urge of mindless scrolling, I have also turned on the reminder on Instagram which lets me know when I’ve spent a certain amount of time on it throughout the day I have noticed as well as become conscious of the time I spend on it and it has significantly reduced for the better.