Real encounter Vs Virtual encounter

REAL ENCOUNTER VS VIRTUAL ENCOUNTER

Cl. Mario D’Couto SDB

            In the old days, things were not so highly sophisticated, as it is now. Life was much simpler. However, with the lack of facilities, it was indeed difficult as it was obvious. But now, thanks to technology, the world today that we live in has become one global village.

            Social networking is a common fad among most young people nowadays. The Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, Rev. Fr. Pascual Chavez SDB calls it the “New playground” of the youth. There is no doubt that the phenomenon of social networking has indeed made our world a global village. But, just as there are two sides to a coin, there are also two sides to this aspect of reality. While social networking has its positive side, it has also been the cause of many break – ups in relationships. It can also happen that sometimes a person is so much “into – it” that he or she forgets about his or her own people that are actually and physically present to them. Social networking can be addictive!

            This is not to say that I am against social networking. Far from it! It is something wonderful but the trouble comes in when we get hooked onto it. What does it really benefit from virtual friendships as compared to real ones? For instance, if in a family, where there is the mother, father and the child and if the child is glued to sites such as Facebook, Wazup or any other social networking site, by doing so, he or she loses out on the relationship with his or her family, or suppose if in a religious community, one particular confrere is continuously chatting and ‘wasting’ his precious time on social networking sites, by doing this, he will be damaging his community life.

            For a youngster or a student, social networking could prove a bit dangerous as it could act as a source of distraction, thereby making him or her to shirk his or her responsibilities, especially if it concerns one’s studies. But usually this happens only when one is addicted to it.


            Hence the point is to maintain a balance. Social networking is good but it needs to be used in the right way else it could become an addiction.  

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