By Gel Santo Relos
(Asian Journal, February 9, 10, 11, 2011)
What used to be science fiction or an episode of “Twilight Zone” in a previous generation is now a reality--- modern technology, particularly the internet and the mobile phone, have radically changed the way we live, think and communicate.
The internet and smart phone technology have not only changed our culture -- they also shaped the history of the world in the past ten years. Marshall McLuhan was right---“the medium is the message.” He was also prophetic for predicting the “world wide web” almost 30 years ago, before it was invented.
The internet has collapsed the invisible wall which has separated us from one another. It has allowed a free exchange of ideas and the sharing of information.
In the world wide web, the way we create, send, receive and share information has become more complex and dynamic -- roles change by the minute and information is shared almost instantaneously by millions of people at any given point.
An idea, emotion or sentiment is no longer owned by one person the moment it is shared through the internet. An agenda is no longer exclusive to a ruling party, a television station or an organization.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said," One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." This is our reality now. Such sharing of information has revolutionized not only what we know but how we know what we know.
Moreover, how we process this new information alters the way we perceive, confront and respond to everyday realities and challenges in life. Who we were before the internet revolution is not who we are now.
The internet revolution serves as a catalyst in unseating dictators, overthrowing governments and getting candidates elected -- creating a new world order. It has broken down trade barriers and opened the floodgates of commerce to people from different parts of the world.
It has leaked what used to be classified information, altering diplomatic relations among nations. What used to be trade secrets have led to new inventions and new discoveries.
The world wide web has also dramatically changed how we, as human beings, communicate with one another. Long lost family and friends are found; relationships rediscovered. Status updates, tweets and blogs enable us to virtually know many things about each other regardless of location.
The irony is that this process of re-connecting with our network of family and friends has made us feel more comfortable in communicating with them via texting, tweeting, blogging of Facebook updates, instead of actual face-to-face interactions.
But then again , to some, this is the closest they can get to human contact. For them, it is a much better alternative to wallowing in isolation and depression.
Cognizant of the power and capabilities of the internet and smart phone technology, we have also harnessed its potential in the discussion of matters of faith, religion and spirituality. Inspirational and religious tweets, blogs and articles are shared. Religious issues and dogmas are discussed and debated on by people of different countries and religions.
Going one step further, the Catholic Church in the United States has also tapped the capabilities of the internet in renewing faith among non-practicing Catholics -- an iPhone app has been sanctioned by the Church to help Catholics go through confession.
Reuters reports that "Confession: A Roman Catholic App" walks Catholics through the sacrament and contains what the company behind the program describes as a "personalized examination of conscience for each user."
This move was made in response to Pope Benedict XVI's World Communications Address on Jan. 24, which emphasized the importance of a Christian presence in the digital world.
According to Patrick Leinen of the three-man company Little iApps, which is based in South Bend, Indiana, their desire "is to invite Catholics to engage in their faith through digital technology."
Reuters reported that the content of the app was developed with the help of Reverend Thomas Weinandy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Reverend Dan Scheidt, pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, Indiana.
The Bishops clarified that the app is not designed to replace going to confession, but to help Catholics through the act, which generally involves admitting sins to a priest in a confessional booth. Catholics are still required to go to a priest for absolution.(The Pope has banned the app but sales of app continues, though as a guide)
This “confession” app is yet another way we have changed the way we interact. There are lawyers, doctors, teachers, even relationship sites online.
"The power of the internet has made it almost impossible for us not to use it to our advantage, even to older generations who are not as tech-savvy. It has become a helpful tool to our human existence -- enabling us to instill positive changes in ourselves and in our children, for a better world."