What is our duty on social media?

[Kateri92]

When it comes to social media, what is our duty when we see a pro abortion post? I have always tried to defend life which has incidentally cost me “friends” on Facebook. I hate scrolling past a person trying to defend abortion. I have felt that it is a corporal work of mercy to defend life respectfully. Yet, at the same time, I hate being that annoying person who wont shut up about the matter. So what should a good catholic do? Is it bad to scroll past the post? I feel guilty ignoring it.

 

[pianistclare]

FB doesn’t edify anyone.
I would get off of social media. People have made up their minds…if you want to be a target, yeah post. But it won’t turn out the way you hope.
I’m not saying work for Pro-Life. Do! But do it in a parish, or with the Diocesan Pro-Life Committee where you can REALLY make a difference. not on social media.
:twocents:

 

[mommy_k]

FB doesn’t edify anyone.
I would get off of social media. People have made up their minds…if you want to be a target, yeah post. But it won’t turn out the way you hope.
I’m not saying work for Pro-Life. Do! But do it in a parish, or with the Diocesan Pro-Life Committee where you can REALLY make a difference. not on social media.
:twocents:

 

[Kateri92]

I understand that ,but I also am aware of pro-life social media ministries. I think they help people know the facts who would otherwise not come into contact with the pro-life message. Should I just leave it to them or does it make a difference in sharing their materials online?

 

[TheAmazingGrace]

I understand that ,but I also am aware of pro-life social media ministries. I think they help people know the facts who would otherwise not come into contact with the pro-life message. Should I just leave it to them or does it make a difference in sharing their materials online?

It’s a matter of personal comfort. Rather than directly challenging them, maybe you could post pro-life materials on your feed for them to see; that might be even more effective.

 

[zjman]

I’m with you sister, it’s hard to decide what post to reply too, there are so many everywhere.
People seen so backwards and hateful, too much of that can’t be good. We do what we can but we’re not In control, God Jesus can do it, let the Holy Spirit guide you. For posting Maybe set some boundaries for yourself like say one thing and then one loving reply and stop there, don’t go back and fourth with people (wipe the dust off your feet).

God bless you

 

[Rosebud77]

OP glad you are out there but social media is … unreal and meaningless. It really is. Better spend the time and energy in prayer,

 

[Kateri92]

OP glad you are out there but social media is … unreal and meaningless. It really is. Better spend the time and energy in prayer,

Oh I pray too! But the people on social media spreading things about “women’s right’s” are the people who are not in our pews on Sunday. I guess I feel obligated to bring them truth in the sea of lies on the internet.

It used to bother me when someone would curse me out because of my pro-life stance but now I just brush it off. But, I guess, if I’m not helping I can stop…

 

[exnihilo]

I personally don’t use social media. But I do know that most people have firmly entrenched opinions and are increasingly impervious to reason. I also know the nature of online communication is such that people are especially combative, ill mannered, and not open minded.

This being the case I don’t think responding to particular posts is likely to accomplish much. You are unlikely to change the person’s opinion. It is possible you might influence an observer. And it’s certainly possible you’ll even influence the person you respond to. But I’m not sure it is the most fruitful endeavor.

I think other things like prayer or personal interactions are more likely to yield results. I certainly don’t think you have a duty to respond to every evil you encounter on social media. You don’t even have a duty to do so in personal interactions. You need to consider lots of factors to determine when you do have such a duty and a key one is the likeliness of having any influence. As I said I think the nature of social media is that even if you are friends with the person you are less likely to have much influence. If you want to influence opinion on social media you might find more success in posting the truth in a compact and creative way then in responding to others.

 

[gardenswithkids]

When it comes to social media, what is our duty when we see a pro abortion post? I have always tried to defend life which has incidentally cost me “friends” on Facebook. I hate scrolling past a person trying to defend abortion. I have felt that it is a corporal work of mercy to defend life respectfully. Yet, at the same time, I hate being that annoying person who wont shut up about the matter. So what should a good catholic do? Is it bad to scroll past the post? I feel guilty ignoring it.

Sometimes I write something, other times I say a prayer for whoever posted the pro-abortion comment without responding to it and sometimes I just scroll past it.

Keep in in that some who make these comments or read them have had abortions. Defending life needs to be done with care and concern for post-abortive mothers and fathers. That is difficult to pull-off in any situation.

Social media presents opportunities and challenges to reach out to others. Each person posting, reading and replying is unique. You know your friends a nd perhaps your friends’ friends, so that may help guide you on how to respond, but please realize there is no “one size fits all” ways to respond. Pray about whether to respond or not, and pray about what to write. Most of all, pray for your social media friends who share pro-abortion material. If it is on their mind to talk about abortion, they need your prayers.

 

[Kateri92]

Keep in in that some who make these comments or read them have had abortions. Defending life needs to be done with care and concern for post-abortive mothers and fathers. That is difficult to pull-off in any situation.

Good point.