Technology is a beautiful thing. Think about it, when don’t you use technology during the day? Whether it’s browsing http://espn.go.com/ to check the latest stats and updates on the Mavs, logging onto moodle to see what the week’s homework looks like, or sending your friend a Snapchat during your lunch period, technology is used daily by almost everyone. However, as always, with great power comes great responsibility.
On April 15th, 2016, Jesuit Campus Ministry’s prayer service reminded the whole community about the responsibility that is required when using social media and technology. Reflections from students and faculty alike helped every Jesuit student realize their role in the community when using technology. Campus Ministry helped remind everyone that whether it’s a simple tweet saying you are stressed about school, or an elicit image over snapchat, that information will be public and won’t ever go away.
Many students appreciated the reminder that social media, although fun, can be risky. Sophomore William Fynes noted, “I think that it’s really important for us to realize that social media and technology are intertwined in our lives, and we have to be aware of the potential danger we face. I think the prayer service did a nice job addressing that.” Fynes continued by saying, “I’m on social media a lot, and I think that it can really distract me from being the person that I really am.”
The prayer service’s message also resonated with older Jesuit students as well; junior Eamon Stack spoke with the Roundup, saying, “This prayer service was very informative, teaching us about the power of social media and its use for both good and bad purposes.” Stack felt that the prayer service helped him “understand how to harness the power of social media.” Eamon continued by agreeing with Mr. Knize, stating, “I can relate to Mr. Knize’s speech about what we put on social media in the heat of the moment. I really understand how someone could get worked up over some issue and post something you wish you hadn’t. But that’s why we need to act mature and think before we act. I think Jesuit has done a very nice job reminding us of acting mature and thinking before we act on social media.”
Be sure to remember this prayer service when you’re on social media and need to be reminded how to use technology wisely.
