Pope warns against too much Facebook

"clearly seems"?? does anyone proof-read this suff?

Yeah, that's definitely a stretch. How do we know he wasn't talking about MySpace? :p

Thanks Il Duce, or is it Il Pupo? I also hear that too much celibacy can also limit social interaction and result in a disruption of patterns that are necessary for healthy human development.

Thankyou for that, there's time I do think I am over social, and too much computing
does have some challenge in my daily life. At night when I about to fall asleep I
do pray for the balance of time of all the thing that's going on for the day I think.

What's wrong with "clearly seems?"

Once again, the Pope showing just how out of touch he is.

It is an astonishingly narcissistic forum.

henru, maybe proofread your own stuff?

There is no doubt that the printing press also became the object of criticism and ridicule in its own time. The Reform was in part fueled by the aavilability of the printed word.
Does that mean that the Internet and poor Facebook, My Space, YouTube and the others are going to become the next Reformers? I guess not. We know better than that.

it clearly seems nobody does.

Clearly the man has nothing else pressing on his mind. We have solve world hunger, clean water throughout the world along with vaccines and medical services for everyone. The wars throughout the world have come to a halt and no one is being killed because they have different religious beliefs . Because all these world problem have been solved, we now worry about Facebook and have the 10 Commandments for drivers.Stay tuned, next week we will address how too much sex with young children may not be good for them.

Come now. There certainly is some validity to his warning. Digital age internet and video game zombies who do not take enough time to enjoy nature, to interact with the world and to meditate and reflect on God. On many days, I am guilty. So are you probably if you're responding here. Try to give up computer games, facebook, and other time wasting endeavors for 40 days. Not easy. I'm doing it. Thanks Pope Benny.

Facebook per se is not the problem. And, Paul M, I think we're agreed the printing press in and of itself wasn't a problem.

The Pope is making a pretty basic point. Anything obsessive that takes us away too frequently from connecting with people around us, being reasonably available to them, or taking care of our responsibilities can become a problem.

The who said what and who cares?

Obviously, our blogger is a neophyte to the myriad possibilities of 'VIRTUAL CONNECTEDNESS' if he is only aware of Face Book (which the Pope does not mention by name). Where were you in 1995 Mr Paulson? One would expect more (research, effort, references) from a Pulitzer award. LAMER!

Maybe he should issue a warning against leaving children around catholic priests...

I'm not so sure that he was saying not to participate in the social networks, just saying beware that they can cause social isolation..... I'm no a huge pope fan myself, hes good i guess, but more of a fallen catholic then anything. That being said, its not a religion that is making me feel he is somewhat correct, it's fact. Although his opinions are a bit more extreme, i think some people are isolating themselves from the reality of social life and turning to facebook because it is easier. At 22 years old, i know more about my friends from the facebook mobile for blackberry then i do from actually talking to hem. Hourly status updates, constant "notes" to the world etc. It can be a bit over the top at times. And you know the people who it hits the hardest are the ones who are already socially awkward and now dont have to try anymore, because they can feel social never having dressed in the morning and never getting off of the couch. Pope may be wrong, but you all may be a little quick to assume that he is off base because he is the pope, who is someone who is already out of touch with the real world we live in.

Just reading the comments. Boston wake up and get a life. Whenever the authorities (in this case of the Catholic church) talk you are always ready to to enter the April 1st zone. I feel sorry for your children and the people around you. Thats showing them not to respect our leaders who tell others to respèct their father and mother. Then we wonder why there is so much violence in your town. Take God and authority out of the picture and you will get just what your getting now. Will pray for you guys.

Who cares what an old gizzard says....

Clearly=clear
Seems=resembles=not-so-clear

Any questions? It's still silly.

The pope has a point. I recently deactivated my Facebook account because it made me feel more isolated and lonely than ever. Staring at a computer screen, no matter the number of "friends," is no substitute for real human interaction. Rather than being "out of touch," I'd say the pope is actually ahead of his time on this subject. On-line social networking is a fairly new phenomenon, but already there are studies linking it with depression and loneliness.

All he's saying is that if you get so addicted to online communities that you neglect family and those around you, it's not a healthy situation. I agree with that. I beg anyone to differ that the internet, social sites included, can become as addictive as any other compulsive behavior, and as such, can become problematic... If anything, he's just pointing out the obvious, in stilted, papal language.

Facebook has allowed me to connect and communicate with old friends from my childhood that I NEVER would have found in a time before the social app. Some of the interactions have been very brief, but others have led to re-introductions and friendships anew... thanks to facebook, my actual "reality-based" friendships have become more - and more rewarding.

it would be a shame for the Pope to "trivialize" that which he clearly seems to have no clue and alienate people even further from his teachings.

go away, bill. we don't want you here. do NOT pray for us.

focus on your own back yard.

The pope is a fraud. He thinks he is a demi-god.

I gave up my Facebook this morning in order that I might spend more time covering up the sins of my subordinates, more personally engender intolerance in all those who look to me for guidance, spend inordinate amounts of other people's money for expensive shoes, servants, exorbitant dry cleaning bills and so on, and further work to maintain my own sense of superiority over others. I feel so good about it. Thanks Beenadick

Clearly the people that are 'out of touch' are the ones that talk smack about a decent guy, a holy guy that expressed a opinion about a fact. What's wrong with that?

What goes around comes around. Better watch out for that bus...

I'm no fan of B-16, but I keep thinking of that murderer-rapist-mess-of-a-human-being in Brockton, who apparently spent all his time on the web and in white supremacist chat rooms, instead of getting a life, making a real friend or two, and developing a view of the world that wasn't all about racism and bigotry. This time, the Pope may have a point....

Once again, level headed people are seeing the point, and everyone else is bashing cuz its the pope, but if oprah said it, youd all erase your facebook accoutns today. Absurd, beyond who it is from and what he represents, the point is to not become soley social via the internet, and dont. some is good, but excessive is not so good. I could care les about the pope on a day to day basis and what he says, but its not like he didnt have a valid point. open your eyes.

Whats the matter mikelittle, does the word pray get you nervous?

Bill - where do you live? Nirvana? Eden?

what's with the name calling? is that what Prayer told you to do? good old fashioned Christian name calling?

in what "town" do you live where there is no violence and everything is perfect?

It's either clear or it seems - try using some logic.

I wish you wouldn't call me names, Bill. I will now Pray for your forgiveness.

Since when has what the Pope said made any difference in the lives of the average person? Certainly not mine as a Lutheran...

I do think there is some truth to what he says, however, if you are basically a "social" person, this tool will not change the human interactions that you crave or need. It is simply a tool, just like a pen and paper is to writing. I've been able to connect with college friends I've not seen in 20 plus years as well as colleagues from past jobs. I still have my physical friends!

Maybe the Pope better tend to religion and not stick his nose in matters which he has no knowledge about. He and our former cardinal, Bernie Law should concentrate on throwing out the priests who pray on little boys instead of covering up for them like Law did. As a catholic I was shocked when Law was whisked out of Boston and given a job in Rome @ $60,000 a year.

Do you think the pope is anti-technology? Read the WHOLE statement! The pope is clearly saying that Internet social networking sites can have BOTH good benefits and harmful consequences. The pope also launched a new You Tube channel yesterday. Does that sound like he's anti-technology?

For those who think the pope doesn't care about poverty, war, and other problems in our world, you are obviously not keeping up with his daily speeches.

The pope is merely stating a fact that any responsible person would respect. The statements came from "World Day of Communication." Perhaps it is clearly if you read the AP source. Simple the pros and cons of sites that may be harmful if not used responsibly or monitored by parents.

Following is the link from the AP/Associated Press: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hrSCKYVkkhxNXPb3rwmirc1lqDjwD95SQLRG1
It is about respect and dignity for self and others.

stever and wretched should look up respect in the dictionary. Perhaps their conversions can not come soon enough. Anyone who insults the pope illustrates their shallowness for respect and dignity.

I dont know anyone who stops socializing in real life because they use social networking sites. get with it benny :)

I am not catholic or really that religious at all but I really think he does have a small point. I don't think being on face book is a bad thing but there are those out there that use this type of socialization instead of having a social life off the computer (an example my 20 year old step son) My step son spends 20+ hours a day on the computer, has no job, and has learned at a young age to "hate everyone." You can overdo anything, including the computer. It is OK to cyber socialize as long ad you have a healthy physical social skills as well. I really do think that the Pope has a good point. Most of us are really OK with it but there are a select few that are in love with their computer.

I find it sad that so many people rip a man of his stature in this forum. Whenever there's a blog entry on boston.com about catholic topics, it has the MOST number of condescending comments in it. Typical uber-liberal Massachusetts. The Pope is my spiritual leader and it's painful for me to read the vitriolic hate spewed in these forums against a man and my religion. People that usually say the most negative things, love the least. Think about it....you're not really a very happy person are you? Feel the rage building???? Exactly what I mean.

I tend to agree with Benny (that is really rare) here, though not entirely. I tried FB, and a few other of these sites, and they are above all boring as all get out, and the narcissism, please!!! "Friends" have become currency, and not very valuable at that, sort of like the Turkisch Lira. In the end everything gets dissolved, lightened, flattened and devalued. I'm still on one of them because of my relatives, who somehow refuse to write an email. But the abbreviated, superficial, specious almost mechanical communication there makes me nautious. It all sounds the same, the same expressions, the same abbreviations.... I vowed this year to go back to using pen and paper. Those old letters were really an experience. You could already identify the writer from her or his "fist", opening the envelope was a ritual and answering another one. It was great. And there was a titllating wait for the response to the response. Even after a life of traveling, I have not thrown personal letters away. Email? Facebook trash? never look at the stuff again.

#42, I understand your feeling, but that's ok, how do you think I feel during
presidental election time, how all sinful stuff the demc for. and the Republican
try to supressed them. That make me feel like a fool and I say don't let that
get to you. Set a good example and that will hurt them not yourself.

Thank you CatholicMan ... well said and I appreciate you're defending the Pope.

42. Yes it seems OK to attack any religion with utter vitriol. Without logic, substance or even decency. It's not an even-handed treatment of all faiths.

For once I would like balance on religion - not fawning nor vitriol. Civilized useful debate is not spewing forth insults. Neither for or against.

41. And yes I know people like your son's social media addiction. The Pope has a good point. For a few it is a substitute because they are scared of rejection in the real world. For a few it is a substitute because they don't have like minded souls where they live. eg. Artists in a small industrial town, people who share language, etc. But for some it becomes unhealthy.

Remember the Pope is only saying that 'too much' is bad, because it diminishes real world social skills. (Perhaps it changes the type of skills.) But real world interactions have small pleasures. Soon we will rediscover the real world!

Social Media, like all media is a useful tool.

Best regards,

Christopher Hire
Executive Director
2thinknow | www.2thinknow.com

If you truly think about the paragraph you may find there is truth to it. If the same message came from Oprah or Barack Obama do you think the reactions would be the same???? Go ahead, take the dare, think about it? Or does your intelligience limit you to dissing only? Blessings.

Salutary words from the Pope. Oh yes, that's the pope who diverted attention from the bishop who raped boys. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/apr/24/children.childprotection

and who has now welcomes an excommunicated holocaust-denying bishop back into the fold

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article5567829.ece

So when someone wants to tell me about relationships, I ask - who is telling me?

"clearly" and "seems" are in a way opposite. if something "seems" one way, it can't be "clear" that it is in fact that way. "clearly seems" is grammatically incorrect.

OK. I am not a Catholic, although I come from a Catholic family (we're Cajun). And I do not blindly follow religious leaders. I'm more agnostic than anything, not really sure what God's about if God exists. AND, I don't approve of everything the Catholic Church does. End disclaimer. Point is, we may not always like the way they do it, but the Church DOES work with poverty and social justice issues, all over the world--a lot more than atheist groups do. Ever heard the term "liberation theology"? Catholic. It amazes me, actually, how enlightened irreligious people seem to think they are but when measured against religious groups they usually fall short--except for their big mouths spouting pseudo-intellectual crap that they themselves don't really believe, in the name of "human enlightenment." I don't want frigging enlightenment. I want people to get a friggin' grip on the world AS IT IS. Thanks anyway.

And the Pope is absolutely right about technology getting in the way of human interaction. It's been doing that ever since the advent of TV, if not before. An anecdote: I live in Ohio and was caught in the remnants of Hurricane Ike last September. I'm in the fifteenth largest city in the United States and I never see so many human beings in one day as I did just going to the library, which was on city electricity, while the power was off for a week. Why should they all go to the library in such large numbers ordinarily? They have TV and the Internet. Guess what they were doing at the library that week? Getting on the Internet. There was some interaction, but not a lot.

I can't talk. I'm a 'Net addict too. But it's sad. We isolate ourselves from one another this way, then we go on Meetup... to find people we can hang out with. In between Lost episodes and whatever MMPORG we're on. *shakes head*

Where is the respect for the Pope here? This is absolutely insane. He says that things such as Facebook are great (even calling them "noble") but not to the point where it becomes the thing your life revolves around. This disrespect for the pope is completely appalling. I know plenty of people he talks of in particular- he's pretty much saying have a life outside a computer. Plenty don't. For those who say shouldn't he have something to do solving world hunger- he's doing a lot more than you are doing. Since when has the Pope had an effect on your life? Pope John Paul II helped bring down the Soviet Union and Communism. Tirelessly helped the poor. It seems like a whole lot more than what you've done personally.

#42 CatholicMan - Thank you for pointing out the obnoxious statements of some commenters, who ruin this blog for others. For their own sakes, I hope these rude, irrational commenters grow up, move out of their mother's basements, and join the real world.

He's got a point..and I'm no fan of the pope or his brainwashed minions.

just because you hoarde eFriends does not mean you have anyone real in your life, and I really believe that actual spoke or written communication has been steadily declining. Think about it...there is virtually NO need to ever leave your house anymore. You can have groceries and meals delivered and order them online, you can shop online, have relationships online...kinda scary if you think about it.

This is the same Pope who started his adult life as a Hitler youth, and just welcomed back into the fold a bishop who denies the haulocaust? Perhaps he's preparing to open an auxiliary branch of St Peters in the United Arab Emirates. I don't see why he pontificates about facebook; popes don't have to pontificate about everything, and he risks becoming a laughing stock. Besides, parenting is probably totally outside his experience, and his statement reads like he's setting up a straw tiger just so he can announce some platitudes. This does not enlighten. I must admit that I had similar prejudices against facebook, although I'm no Luddite, and when my daughter suggested I join facebook so we could all be in better touch, I agreed very reluctantly. But then it was hilarious when my son joined and I received an official facebook email saying 'you have one friend'. Perhaps the Pope got such an email and it flipped him over the edge.

Does the Pope have a facebook page?

As much as I like to ignore anything the pope has to say, I do see his point. My best friend and I were both discussing how facebook and myspace, even though they have great potential in bringing people together, also cause people to be lethargic about face-to-face interactions. Some may disagree with me, but I believe that once a person knows they can contact their friends at any time from any computer, they start to take it for granted and never make the initiative to see them anymore

Too much "celibacy" makes one want to do little biys in the rectory.

Hey, Gruppenfuhrer Pope. 60 years ago you were in the SS. Mellow out.

"Where is the respect for the Pope here?" He was in Hitler Youth. What don't you understand?

Mike Falcoff #54.
Where do you get your 'so called' information about Joseph Ratzinger?
I'm curious.

57. Truly, anti-Catholicism does seem to be the last "acceptable prejudice" in the world. It is heartwarming to note though, that there are many gallant defenders of the Faith who are still there to stand against the onslaught of hate. As Christ himself had said,"The gates of hell shall not prevail against it (the Church).

Did the Pope say anything about being obsessed with responding to other people's responses to something they read on-line?

What if it were President Obama warning against a potential obsession with Facebook leading to isolating ourselves from enough human interaction?

What would your responses be? (those of you who are on the attack, merely because it's the Pope who is speaking.)

Try to be honest (with yourself, if not with all of us.)

Maybe they should call the catholic church the hypocrite church instead.
is this a pressing problem for world religion? Full of high sentences but very
little content, if this church was wise they would figure a way to engage their
money and the umpteen billion people using the computer to solve issues that
jesus was actually concerned about. networking wasn't one of them. in fact i think
he encouraged it. The catholic church......this guy isn't worthy of taking tea
between Michalengelo and Raphael. The Vatican.....housing the greatest art the world has ever seen amidst the most corrupt organized religion cult the planet
has ever known. pathetic, awful people.

The Pope made a great point.
Well said!

The problem with "Clearly Seems" is that you have two words contradicting itself. "Clearly" would be connotated with certainty, obviousness. "Seems", on the other hand, is the outward appearance of something, and does not imply any certainty.

As far as the pope is concerned, what he is really worried about is that his Christian minions might develop meaningful friendships with non-Christians, which might take them away from the stronghold the church has had over their lives for so long. What a pathetic plea to be making.

Bostonspaz, feel free to off yourself at any time.

Why doesn't this article have a "SHARE" link so I could put it on my facebook page????

Aren't there bigger things in the world to worry about, Your Holiness? You could be remembered through the ages as a great man, if you were to focus the power of the Catholic church on ending hunger, poverty, war, and/or intolerance. Instead, you monitor our internet usage? Please, leave the trivial things to us. We don't need a man of your position wasting his time on being a nanny. Respectfully,

The Pope has a very good point. It is easy to sit in front of a computer and talk to your friends via facebook and myspace. When what you really should be doing is going out and seeing them. I have a myspace account and I enjoy it, but I get on it maybe twice a week for a hour are so and that is it. Although may people spend hours a day on it, Really myspace and facebook is not even safe for our children.

The pope smokes dope!

Bottom line up front... WHO CARES WHAT THE POPE THINKS?!?

I have to wonder what the responses would be if Obama had made this statement instead of the pope. :)

#63 Sharon is 100% correct. If Barack The Messiah had said the same thing, all of his little lemming followers would be swooning and fainting over how profound and wonderful his thoughts were.

The anti-Catholic peeps will bash the Pope no matter what he says or does.
Catholicism is the only religion people think they can bash with impunity. It's PC among the libs to bash a holy man such as the Pope. God forbid anyone ever bashed a Muslim holy leader!!!!

Child rape coverup, overpopulation, genocide, global warming, etc.
And this clown is worried about FACEBOOK
Does any rational human being take this Bozo seriously ???

The pope raises a valid point. All my friends on Facebook are people I know, or close friends or relatives of people I know.
For me, it's allowed me to get back in touch with two former bosses whom I liked and to stay in touch with members and hierarchs of my church.

But other than bands, authors, etc. using Facebook or MySpace as marketing tools, I can's see this business of 1,000 friends.

jake - the Pope has several doctoral degrees, speaks several languages, written several books, has been a profession of several subjects for decades.

What are your credentials such that your opinion of him should be taken seriously?

A. Obama still has credibility.
B. Valid or not, what has this overdressed, pompous, narcissistic dictator got to
say about interpersonal relationships?
C. No matter what it does do, the church can never replace what it has destroyed
in it's overzealous drive toward world domination.
D. The wealth of the vatican sits in it's coffers, untouchable, while some of the
PEOPLE struggle to help others, to make their world better.
E. If some catholics feel so put upon as vitriol is slung your way, please feel free to
delve deeply into the churches history. If that task were undertaken with any
level objectivity one would quickly and easily see exactly why this is so. Are
your hands clean? As the head of the church, beenadick's are not.

Great, more advice on how I'm supposed to live, think and act from some self proclaimed "authority". Given the fact that these "authorities" have lead the world to the point of moral, spiritual and financial disaster, I think I'll take my chances and think for myself. There's a novel idea that scares the wits out of Church and State. People thinking for themselves?? Why....why, then they might find out the truth behind all things. And believe me, the truth is BEHIND things.

I'm #42 and am officially done with boston.com. Don't bother responding to this message because I will NEVER read this blog from Michael Paulson again. Not because of his slant or lack thereof, but because of the continued attacks against my beloved religion, no matter the subject that Paulson writes. Topics that do interest me and I will miss. The hatred and condescension that's freely spewed here is unacceptable. For the people who hide behind the internet to level hatred and animosity against the Pope and 1 billion worldwide Catholics, you will continue to be in my prayers. Yes, I will pray for you even if you don't want me too, including you #24 - mikeybigboy. Some day you will understand. Believe me; I promise you will. Signing off for the last time.

All this from an old man who still wears a dress. Get a clue, old man.

"he thinks he is a demi-god". He is a demi-god if you're catholic.

And bill, please, don't pray for me. Pray for yourself. If you think that a pederast calling himself "father" doesn't intend to usurp your power as a parent, you're mentally ill. You're the type of person for whom "authority figures" get stiff. A little more independent, adult behavior is what we need, not group thinkers dedicated to the spread of follow the leader practices.

Obviously some posters are ignorant. Everyone is making a molehill out of a mountain, why are there so many angry people posting today? The Pope is trying to communicate that we need to spend more time with our family & friends and I agree. Too much time is spent on the computers, ipods, cell phones, nobody interacts with anyone anymore. You can disagree with me and I was not raised in the Catholic Church. Poster 81 you I will pray for, you don't have a clue about life.

my, my... a lot of sensitive facebook users out there with their dander up!! it's time to look in the mirror ...if you can pull youself away from the computer

Dear Mr. Paulson,

I am joining #42 and I will NEVER read these comments again (although I may read the original articles). Too many cowards are insulting and defaming the pope and the Catholic Church - the last acceptable bigotry in the world today. This particular article has some very good points that the Pope made, for serious people to ponder, and yet people just vomit out these insults about a person and a Church they know little about. Mr. Paulson, allowing comments on this blog is a waste of time. I challenge you to consider shutting off comments or at least monitoring them more closely to eliminate baseless and rude comments.

To those who bash the Catholic Church: The Catholic Church is one of the largest social service agencies in the world - maybe the largest. Also, genuine Christians have never claimed they are perfect - "the Church is not a hotel for saints, but a hospital for sinners." So, yes, some Catholics have done some bad things - that's why we need the grace of God! Take a look in the mirror - I hope you have the humility some day to recognize that even you need God. For your own sake, I hope you make a serious and honest effort to learn more about the Catholic Church and/or other religions.

mikeybigboy and the rest of you Pope/God haters:
We all need prayer and forgiveness in our lives. The fact that you act so upset by the fact that someonme is praying for you shows how Satan has control of your life. All those here who commented just to say "who cares" obviously cares enough to respond. If you truly believed that you were master of your own life you would not care enough to respond. Deep in your hearts you know the Pope has a point (and I am not Catholic and I disagree with many of the Church's views). The internet had allowed me to make new friends around the world but too much of it will cause people to neglect their IRL friends and family. You all know that is what he is saying but only desire to be onstinate. As a Christian I will be praying for all of you.

eric the Pope has several doctoral degrees, speaks several languages, written several books, has been a profession of several subjects for decades.

Other than you semester at Bunker Hill Community College, please tell us what credentials you have such that you have "a clue", and this very educated and accomplished leader does not.

Thank you.

ps. Jake, still waiting for your response to the same question.

Does God have a Facebook page?

The vitriol leveled against the pope here is quite unreasonable. I am a practicing gay Catholic, who thus has many, many issues with Benedict, but to attack him in this way on this forum doesn't help anyone. And, his message here isn't that radical. In fact, it's a nice reminder that face-to-face human interaction is necessary for human flourishing and that we should just keep that in mind as the internet becomes more and more integral to daily life.

Anyone who listens to this man clearly isn't thinking clearly.

I thought I left a post earlier but I guess not. Post 81 I will pray for you. Too many people posted that really are ranting. The Pope is merely saying we need more time without the computers, need more one on one time with each other and our familys

Like so many things, virtual social networks are not per se harmful. They may, however, be used in ways that create harm. My partner's addictive personality is now being manifested in a serious Facebook addiction, where people he has not seen or spoken to in years are more real, more vital, than his family. When used like this, it is a bad as alcohol, and just as corrosive to relationships. I am not sure we will survive this.

Hey Stever... what celibacy are you talking about?! LMAO

I don't get Facebook. Could that be editorial BIAS? Why not say he warns against MySpace, or Squidoo, or Frienster? "Clearly seems" is a tiny grammatical thing compared to such editorial bias!

Where's the link to share this with my Facebook friends?

"Father, forgive them. They know NOT what they do."

"Blessed are you, when the world reviles you and persecutes you for yours is the kingdom of heaven."

"Cast ye not your pearls to the swine."

I'm with ya #42.

KLR
He was one of architects of the child rape racket coverup.
Enough said.

Is this the guy who is from the church that used to shuffle priests around because they could not keep their hands off of young boys?

Perhaps it's time to start taxing the business that is "Religion"....

This guy's bio should read, Michael Paulson protects religion for the Boston Globe.
He won't let any intelligent responses through, lest you think for yourselves.

Uhhhh, Facebook is designed to RE-connect people that already know each other. It's difficult to find anyone unless you know their full name or school. It's not clear if the Pope (or the Catholic Church) can possibly be any more out of touch.

Brilliant

http://www.ncregister.com/daily/facebook_quote_of_the_year/

Clearly seems, Fact does not follow any facts non sequitur

here is another perfect opportunity for Dan Wasserman to put off focusing on Obama...
Danny Boy, take a few snipes at the pope. You'll cherish any and every
opportunity to avoid what you know you'll eventually do.
How long will it be before you and your ilk turn on your horse in this race?
My money says prior to Memorial Day 09, you will be a full fledged
cartoonographing basher. in the meantime...pope bash!

The Catholic church should stick to points of Christian Dogma. The printing press scared them, science scares them and in fact anything they can't control scares them. It's just Facebook! Think about this... you go into a church anywhere in the world and they expect that you should listen to the priest because he has a certificate of authenticity from the Pope? hehehehe... I'll stick to facebook.

catholicism is not Christianity. I can read the Bibe for myself and do facebook. I thought we got past odd men in odd costumes making pronouncements 500 years ago with the Reformation. my pastor is on facebook. we are just fine thank you.

Time will tell where Wisdom lies. History has repeatedly shown us the reality of what humanity can do on it's own, without Truth or Love. I would rather listen to him seriously than the confusion of reality we can come up with.

God Bless You Pope Benedict XVI....I think the Pope is right.....I think many things nowadays is in excess.....excess cellphone usage, computer time, filth on television, and the list goes on......If we are all too wrapped up in computer and other things when do we give God time.....when do we pray for our neighbor.....just something to think on.

If you are still reading stop now! Get off the computer and get a life. If you don't you'll end up like me.

This is the same Pope that just welcomed back to the Church the Holocaust-denying Bishop his predecessor excommunicated.

"out of touch" doesn't even BEGIN to describe this man.

it's time for the pope to start minding his own business...this is why I don't believe in religion...tooo many people sticking their noses in other peoples business.

Hey "Real Professional Writer"
It not a grammatical error, however, it IS an error in logic.

Quit griping about your church; if it were perfect, you couldn't belong..

Actually, anybody hanging out on Facebook is a weirdo in my book. I mean get a life! It's basically dopey chicks or guys looking to get laid

I'm not arguing fur the pope by any means, but for those of you complaining about "clearly seems" you should slow down and think for a minute. I'm guessing that this is merely a result of the written translation (likely from Italian to english), or perhaps it's just a matter of man who speaks english as a 3rd or maybe 5th language.

Complain about other things about the Catholic Church, but relax on the english teacher critique.

To Professional writer - are you serious? can you say oxymoron? "Seems" being a term with an inate limiting condition or reservation, while "clearly" is a term of certainty. Not sure whom you write for professionally, but "clearly" they are over-paying you.

As for the Pope - I actually agree with him. If you read what he says, it is common sense.

I´m Catholic and proud to be one and will never change. i know it's history, faults and good things and still come out with the same result. it's the church of Christ and that's enough for me. Where would our world be today without the Catholic church. They started all the schools, hospitals, clinics, took care of the orphans and are still doing the same today in every country of the world. Don´t knock it, you might need our help someday.

The Catholic faith has lost so much of it's influence and trust. Taking care of the people you have abused first then speak to the masses. What a joke Catholicism is now.

As a liberal Episcopalian who has taught at two Jesuit universities--and as a psychologist, it strikes me that Pope Benedict XVI is correct on his assessment. Facebook, computer games, and yes, blogs, are no substitution for face-to-face human interaction.

This "out of touch" problem is seen in my family with texting... and of course chatting or gaming in groups... The teens are sharing conversations with friends and in this sense they are socially interactive and this is good if not excellent, but if we are eating together and the kids start texting instead of sharing with their own family, or if it is time to do chores or eat and the kids are in a deep interaction texting , chatting, gaming... or for previous generations on the phone, or watching tv, ... or previous generations reading or listening to radio... etc. I think we must be polite and charitable and live/interact in absolute priority with the people we are physically living with or meeting... this is how I hear what the Pope is saying.

he's right. look how the telegraph destroyed society.

i am a disaffected catholic seriously considering formally becoming a member of another christian church and i immensely dislike this pope, but i don't see what is so horrible about what he says in this statement. i vehemently disagree with many (almost all) of his positions but this one is pretty common-sensical. virtual relationships are not a substitute for real ones. that is all he is saying.
and, i do really hate how everyone is so quick to bash the catholic church. again, i left the church so i know it has it's problems and it is not perfect. the way the church hierarchy has behaved in face of the sex scandals and the way they have continued to marginalize people despite their growing irrelevance really disappoint me. but, there is a right and wrong way to criticize. the right way is do so intelligently and analytically. not knee-jerk bashing and insults.

All the Pope is saying is the fact that there are kids and people that spend way too much time on facebook... Like me. I have a MacBook, an iPod touch, and a cell phone that are constantly on facebook. It takes time away from real friends and puts more time for our digital ones. God knows i'm not about to give up facebook but I'm just saying that he's right. Get outside, go for a hike, CALL someone instead of AIMing them!

I believe the Church is taking care of the people that certain priests (not the Church as a whole) have hurt. It is easy to broaden specific instances of sin and evil to taint a body as a whole. Christ said if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. Because one piece of the Church acted disgustingly it does not mean that the Church as a whole is disgusting. If it had happened to you, would you want the world knowing about your personal pains and business? Publicly lashing out does only so much to bring about true healing. Healing is a private business. Your outrage over the sins of the past is just and understandable. Please consider that in this, as in anything, one bad part does not make a bad whole. Just because you can't see what's going on in an effort to heal those who were abused, doesn't mean it isn't happening.

You don't have to agree with what I say, with what Pope Benedict XVI says, or what anyone else says. That's your prerogative. But, might I remind readers and bloggers of this so-called "tolerance" we glorify in this country. We're human, everyone makes comments that are intended to make others feel less-than. But I think you'll agree that from any stance these comments only make the commenter less-than.

If you have something against what Pope Benedict XVI said in this, one of his weekly/daily audiences, take a few moments to re-read his statement and come up with a logical reason to refute it. Moderation is good in everything in life. Including words written on public forums such as this.

jake- you hurled ignorant criticism (devoid of fact) and called him a clown among other things. What are your educational credentials such that your name calling should be considered credible? How many doctoral degrees do you have, books written, years taught in major universities? Unless you can tell us, you embarrass yourself with your ignorant and gratuitous insults. Please let us know. Why should you be taken seriously?

eric - same for you.

doesn't the pope have better things to do than worry about Facebook? You know, like tossing Bernard Law out of Vatican City and finding pedophile priests and firing them. This is exactly what is wrong with the Roman Catholic church. It is always pointing its finger at others without ever taking a moment to take stock of its clergy members. Just on reason why I left the Catholic church many years go . .

keter's comments are the best yet!!! nice job hitting the nail on the head!

Facebook is replacing email which replaced letter writing as means to 'keep in touch' and communicate what is happening in your life.

It does however, bunch too many people into a Friends category which is comprised of your best inner circle friends with people you met at party for the first time or never met at all or maybe dont want to be friends with, which dilutes the 'Friends' label and potentially the substance of what you are posting/sharing.

But at high level, it a great central place to share your opinion and activities in your life with whomever you want to be connected to on the web.

The take home message the Pope was shooting for was regardless of internet/Facebook, email, cell phone, TV, movies, etc. keep it real and make it a priority to be part of your unconnected human community.

did anyone notice the date on the announcement is may 24, 2009?

and while i respect his opinion, i have to say that facebook has reconnected me with friends from high school i haven't seen in 23 years. and i play scrabble every day with a friend who is a missionary in the middle east.

my interpersonal relationships at home are not harmed, in fact my daughter and her friends and i interract and have fun. i've been able to talk candidly with a few of her friends who are struggling with things right now that they can't turn to their parents with.

all told, it can be abused, but it isn't evil. friends are friends around the world.

The Pope's main point is:

"If the desire for virtual connectedness becomes obsessive, it may in fact function to isolate individuals from real social interaction while also disrupting the patterns of rest, silence and reflection that are necessary for
healthy human development."

He is correct.

I am not Catholic, nor am I Christian, and I do think the current Pope is far too conservative for these times, but I do think he has a point. He's not saying *don't* use social networking sites, he's saying don't let them take the place of real human interaction. I think that's rather astute for someone who leads a medieval institution.

Wow, for me online socializing (particular Myspace and Facebook) opened up my world to include people from my past I would have NEVER reconnected with otherwise. And no, it does not PREVENT us from "real interaction" because without it we wouldn't be interacting at ALL.

What about that?

People in the world have lost their faith in God and that is a very sad thing. WIthout God all things wouldn't be possible. I am a catholic and just because the issue about the priests came out, it doesn't make me any less of one. That was a choice they made and that doesn't affect my relationship with God. Everyone will get judged one day and I am sorry for all those affected by the priests' actions. But the world is corrupt and evil now. Take a look at the news, how many times a day do we hear negative things about people getting hurt in explosions set by others, or killed, or abused. Children are not even given a chance to live in the world before they are taken because the parents can't handle the crying. That's what babies do...don't have them if you can't handle it! There is plenty of hate and crime in the world, not just in Boston, but everywhere. A simple observation that the Pope makes, everyone who doesn't believe in anything rips him apart. Yes, I do believe in what he says...look at all these people that have no friends outside of their homes or that find ways to destroy more of the world. Computers are only good to a certain point. Like everything else in the world, too much of something is not good. We can't just pray for Boston, we need to pray for the whole world cause it is falling apart. It was better when there was less of this "networking." Don't get me wrong, technology and everything that it can do is a great tool, but when people start to abuse it then it is not an asset to the world. Take a look at the people who meet up with MySpace people and get them to leave their homes or abuse them. Tell me that what the Pope says is wrong now!!

Several observations:
Re: respect: It is earned, not commanded or automatic.
Re: social media: Consider that there may be a sea change here on how folks communicate, and the social media don't prevent fact to face contact.

Re: image: All institutions, including the Roam church, have their reputations partly created by the public image they present. Does dressing like it is still the medieval era make it easier for people to identify with the speaker?

Re: message: The seeming need to comment on everything detracts from the attention given when one speaks, cleric or not.

you people crack me up, the pope probably doesn't even know what facebook is. besides, everyone knows that twitter is the real evil.

This is the most ridiculous thing from you yet, KJR:

"What are your educational credentials such that your name calling should be considered credible?"

The Pope is right. Connections; real, live, in-person connection, is the key to happiness. Facebook is fun, but actual face to face converations are much better. That goes for all of you text-messagers out there as well.

I am confused, sara505, by your comment:
"I recently deactivated my Facebook account because it made me feel more isolated and lonely than ever. Staring at a computer screen, no matter the number of "friends," is no substitute for real human interaction."

In this day and age, with costs for gas and even for something as simple as picking up our phone rising rapidly, Facebook and other sites are becoming a way to catch up with these people. I find myself using it more. And I don't feel isolated or lonely using these sites to communicate.

damn, i guess god wont be accepting my friend request. maybe his son, obama, will

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."" But I tell you: Love your enemies* and pray for those who persecute you,that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
-Mt 5:11-12,44-45

Did the pope warn about too much, "Facebook?"

The headline seemingly appears to clearly misquote.

Definitely.

anyone over the age of 25 who uses Facebook needs to get a life. For the most part it is a group of pretentious, self promoting, insecure, users, trying to convince themselves and others how witty and inteligent they are. Real people do not have +100 friends. Too bad you have to grow up and leave high school/college behind. Life is not a popularity contest. Time to grow up.

does anyone know how to add this article to Facebook?

I think this is one of the few times I agree with the Pope. I had a friend who spent way too much time online and who came to believe that he was being social with all of his online "friends" he met through gaming when, in fact, he was isolating himself more and more from the real world and the people who cared about him. As with everything else in life, online social networking should be pursued in moderation. Like many of the other people who commented here, I have reconnected with a lot of old friends through Facebook who I probably wouldn't have been able to otherwise. At the same time, I do make sure I talk to my close friends on the phone and make time to see friends and family as often as possible. Human interaction is critical to our well-being and Wall messages and emoticons can't replace a face-to-face conversation.
Bottom line: I'm a fan of Facebook, but I do think people have to make sure that they don't replace real world relationships with online ones.

Why is he using a commonly used and easily obsessed-upon vehicle like youtube to send this message? If you are a real fan of the Pope you could watch this video over and over, for hours. I use Facebook to reconnect with friends most of the time, but at any rate, it is also used for many good purposes like raising money for charities like "Medicins Sans Frontiers" (Doctors without Borders), to find a cure for cancer, etc.

@Righton: "Try to give up computer games, facebook, and other time wasting endeavors for 40 days. Not easy. I'm doing it." -- obviously not very well...

Let's look at the facts. Pope didn't say NO social networking sites. He said not to let it interfer with people AROUND you. Right there in your backyard. Most people use computers at work for 8 hours. Go online to those Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. while at work. Then, go home and play games on computers for 2 hours. Then, continue playing on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and other social networking websites for another couple hours. Then, if there's anymore time available, they'll watch 2-3 hours of television shows. Then, they allow their kids to tool around watching tv, playing on the computer and/or video games for a total of 6+ hours a day.

Nah... NO truth there! lol

Not that i agree with anything that a religious figurehead puts out there, but this makes a lot of sense from a strictly humanist point of view. it breaks down to "get a life and leave your room you pasty, pimply loser" I'm willing to bet that the people who react harshly to this and the pope's message are just the kind of sad individuals who base their social standing on how big their friends list is and not by their actual base of true friends and confidants.
just a thought

Ye shall know them by their fruits. To some extent, I believe that the spiritual world is measured in tangibles. Do I need to ask whether anything on this media is binding, in any physical sense of the word? This is a natural facade for liars. When push comes to shove, these services are a fantasy world, from which social saboteurs refuse to emerge and offer anything of material consequence.

Why does everything have to be a debate. Pope says too much computer time may be bad if you aren't seeing 'real' people. Okey dokey. Where is the controversy? Why are there 143 comments arguing if he's right or should have said this? Geeze people. Relax. Take a chill pill. It isn't personal. It clearly seems...lol... that we all have too much time on our hands.

I get the feeling the Pope meant "Don't let social networking sites REPLACE face-to-face human interaction with your friends." It sounds kind of like the digital equivalency of "Don't worship false idols" (with your friends' profiles being the digital or "false" idols of your friends.)

Regardless of what you think of the Pope, or your personal religious affiliation, there is absolutely no excuse for hate speech or racism on this comments page. Those of you who have resorted to such should be ashamed of yourselves.

Hey --- for all of you that read this article and object to what was said ...

... that's perfect proof the Pope is right on the mark. So go back to your Twittering and FaceBooking. Society really doesn't need you.

As a spiritual father the pope is reaching out to the young just as a biological father would in order to provide good advice to his children. The idea of silence and reflection really changes a day if put into practice. How many youth spend virtually all their time being stimulated by media without any quiet or reflection. How many youth have completely lost the sense of their true identity as children of a God that loves and cares for them. God is mostly easily found in silence. I think that' s why most people prefer noise.

What would the pope say if I posted his comments on my Facebook page?

I don't believe the nonsense in the way that so many react to the advice of a sincere leader. He has issued cautions with great respect and a lot or reasoned thinking. I think most readers don't even understand what he said. How sad.

You idiots posting about his days in the Hitler youth need to get your facts straight. The Nazis were FORCING kids to fight. LOOK IT UP! Learn REAL HISTORY instead of learning your NEW CONTEMPORARY HISTORY that omits real history and leaves our kids as dumb as those who think the pope chose to join the Hitler Youth.

If the PRINTING PRESS helped to free the population of Europe from serfdom, you betcha the pope will try to scare those who would listen to him away from FACEBOOK.

And if he can't beat 'em, well, get ready for a wave of proselytization in Facebook.

Consider that His Holiness has "un-excommunicated" the wretched Richard Williamson who denies the Holocaust, wants all Jews to convert to Catholicism, and peddles conspiracy theories for the assassination of John F Kennedy and the attack on the US by the children of uncircumcised mothers of Islam.
With that in mind, the Holy Father should come to the US and set up an appointment to embrace my nether regions. He brings discredit and shame to honorable Catholics.

Jeesh, most you of you guys doth protest too much or can't see the nuance of the Pope's statement.

Essentially, if you don't get out from behind your computer enough, you limit your exposure to more satisfying, more natural and more beautiful social interaction. And some of you doubt the truth of this statement by attacking the Pope? Are you REALLY that blind and immature?

For the uninitiated, the Pope's name and title prior to his election was Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. The Italians have dubbed him "Papa Ratzi", but I think the Jesuits call him Bennie the Hex.

I've sent him a Facebook friend request, as an officially confirmed Soldier of Christ.

Try and discuss abortion on Facebook.
I agree with the Pope that abortion is murder, and I will take it a step further.
Abortion is state-sanctioned genocide (mass murder).

"clearly seems," WOW, yes it is redundant; yet, commenter number one, seems to be the only douche that proof reads or cares about this crap, go talk to your facebook friends, also LOL at pope talking about Myspace, who talks about Myspace anymore, even old Popey is more up to date than you flavioandmarita. And if that was an attempt at a quip LOL even harder at you for thinking your were being clever! Hey henru, proof read this tool! ROTFL, LOLz. Clearly seems, ahhhh find something meaningful with your life and quit your worries about every little trifle. I am sure you have never made a grammatical error. LOL X 1000, what a tool!

I live in New York. Here everything is better in every way and we enjoy a much higher quality of life. Sometimes I feel a pang of guilt, and a little bit sorry for people in other places, but I move on to the next exciting adventure. It clearly seems that Facebook is not a problem here.

I am an atheist and extremely anti-catholic BUT, I can;t believe I'm writing this: I do somewhat agree with him. Because of a recent bereavement, I have become quite a hermit. I avoid phone calls and any social (face-to-face) interaction but I have found that Facebook is a very 'safe' place to connect with people. I'm not sure that it's the best solution.

Why do so many people go out of their way to read the Pope's comments, then complain that they don't think he's relevant? Seems like the worst kind of trolling to me...

Hey what is this all about? So are you saying Facebook is good....or is it bad? :D I think that it is both....:)

The Internet will save us