Internet usage and spirituality

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odile53

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Folks, nothing particularly original here. But I’ve noticed a trend on forums (CAF is pretty mellow in comparison to some secular forums, believe it or not!) where people seem to think the anonymity of the Internet gives them license to act in, how shall I put it, less than charitable ways.

I came across this excellent blog entry, and thought I might share it. It is a reminder to me to check my motives and my attitude before I hit the “submit” button.

Read on, if you like:

ncregister.com/blog/quiz-does-st.-francis-think-youre-an-internet-jerk/
 
odile53 said:
Folks, nothing particularly original here. But I’ve noticed a trend on forums (CAF is pretty mellow in comparison to some secular forums, believe it or not!) where people seem to think the anonymity of the Internet gives them license to act in, how shall I put it, less than charitable ways.
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That is why I decline anonymity and use my name. I have only had one serious incident because of this, and even that I can handle. It is worth it to me for me to know that everything I do must spring from my character, who I really am, and reflect back upon it. I do not want to discourage anonymity, as some people really need it, but as you point out, it has its drawbacks.
 
My sense is that internet forums are pleasant to the extent that they are well-moderated. CAF is blessed to have moderators who are both patient and hard-working. I’ve been on forums which this isn’t true, and haven’t found them worth the grief.

Its a hard job being a moderator, knowing when to use a carrot, when to use a stick, and when just to keep on moving. We don’t make it easy on the mods here. I’m very glad they put up with us.
 
I probably should have put this in my original post:

Occasionally, when I am in a discussion thread, it assumes giant proportions and I find myself resisting the temptation to get involved in what could probably best be described as a holy cat fight!

True, there is much that is good online, and I’ve definitely found CAF on the whole to be a beneficial adjunct to my spiritual life. I’m doing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises (19th annotation) under the direction of a Jesuit priest, and have been encouraged to start noticing my reactions to the influences various things have on me.

While doing a little praying and surfing, I discovered that blog post, and yes, St. Francis de Sales would, under some circumstances, tell me I am trying to avoid being a real jerk on the internet! These reactions of outrage and disturbance aren’t holy in their origin for me. They’re distractions from what I ought to be doing (such as household duties, spiritual reading, prayer.)

I just thought it was a fun and provocative little quiz, and certainly gave me pause to think, and question my own motives before hitting the “submit” button. I hope that other people get some benefit from it as well.
 
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