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Technology disconnects people from their faith, priest says

Distractions from technology may be responsible for a growing disconnect between young people and the Christian faith, said Father Thomas Massaro of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry in a lecture.

Massaro spoke to an audience of about 50 people Monday night at BC about the impact of technology on religion.

“Technology may have the effect of cutting off our relationship with not only other people, but with God,” he said.

Massaro began his lecture by discussing the multiple dangers in society brought on by technology. He said modern technologies represent a risk for social and public health, but that the largest danger threatened spiritual well-being.

He said this is largely due to the hectic nature of today’s society.

“Life simply moves too fast for comfort these days,” he said. “It’s as if our entire society is suffering from [attention deficit disorder].”

Massaro attributed this increase in fast-paced lifestyles to the plethora of different electronics available in our society.

Although he acknowledged the many benefits that technology can present, Massaro said he believes the problems that it is causing are more damaging.

“I am mostly conscious of what we are losing,” he said.
Massaro said he believes children are most vulnerable to the negative effects of a multimedia society.

“There are some things that simply require stillness to understand,” he said. “Youth are less able to think clearly and are less about to connect with God.”

Massaro said he feels technology plays too large of a role in children’s lives and it is a great challenge for parents and educators to help youth to use technology in moderation.

He said that overall it will be difficult for many to limit their use of technology, but the changes that have to be made will ultimately lead to a more spiritual life.

“For some this will mean saying no to mobile technology,” Massaro said.

In his opinion, people can draw from Christian traditions to resist technology and visualize alternatives.

Boston College psychology student Kim Julian said Massaro’s lecture was relevant to everyday life.

“I felt that he touched on some very important issues,” she said, adding that his description of children’s dependency on technology was consistent with the children that she knows.

Attendee Helen Collins also said she related to the information about the hazards of technology for kids.

“I am a parent of three young kids,” she said. “I feel there is a lot they are bombarded with.”

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