22 The Art of Accompaniment
media, make accessible worldwide arts and culture, and allow for the ex-
panded trade of goods and services. Many people have found solidarity and
support through online communities who share their interests and expe-
riences. Still, social media has also been a platform of evangelization that
makes the Gospel accessible to younger generations in new and exciting
ways. When used in moderation to support non-technological life, social
media can enrich the life of the human person, making a large, diverse
world seem smaller and more connected.
While social media has the potential to foster real friendships and vir-
tual communities, it can also sow hostility, disrespect of others, obsession
with online personas, and an overpowering preference for instant gratifica-
tion. Social media may hinder a culture of accompaniment in two specific
ways:
1. Firstly, social media may cause users to disrespect the dignity of
the human person. Online interaction makes it more possible
to separate other users from their undeniable identity as a child
of God. Hateful comments, impulsive reactions, shortened lan-
guage, exclusion of others, refusal to dialogue with others, and
emotionally charged responses can reduce the dignity of the
human person. This enables a hostile environment of judgment
and vitriol.
2. Secondly, social media has changed human habits, including
the average person’s attention span and ability to engage with
others in real life. Social media can draw attention away from
reality to timelines, making it more difficult to leave devices be-
hind and be present to others. This lack of full presence makes
accompaniment impossible. While social media is a “mission
field” where the Church must be present, the people of God
must not forsake the mission field immediately in front of us for
the anonymity of the digital world.
Identity Formation
One of the most fundamental questions asked by the human person is
“Who am I?” Throughout the life cycle, the human person forms and shapes
their own identity according to beliefs, significant events, and contexts.