THA Cambodia Delegation Guidelines on the Use of Social Media in the Mission and Apostolate of the Salesians of Don Bosco

This document has been approved by the THA Cambodia Delegation in September 2023

Presentation

Dear THA Cambodia Delegation confreres,

Here we are presenting our guidelines on social media usage for our confreres working in Cambodia, following the direction of the Dicastery for Social Communication Thanks to our Social Communication Delegate and his team. It is very important to agree on a common ground in the usage of this important technology such as the Internet, through social media. It is important to ensure that the media can properly fulfill its information and educational function to develop and implement regulations that strengthen free formation of opinion in a society. As sons and daughters of Don Bosco, we very much appreciate technologies in the sense of instruments to fulfill our pastoral duties to educate, evangelize and protect the young It is also important to adhere to the guidelines of the government to balance representation of various perspectives is necessary in the society At the same time, we are aware of risks, and we are prepared to prevent situations

Blessings,

Fr Eugene Xalxo, THA Cambodia Salesian Delegate, Sihanoukville, 4 September 2023

Social Media

Social media are forms of electronic communication that allow users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

Social media can include websites, apps, and platforms that enable users to interact with each other, express their opinions, interests, and ideas, and access information, news, and entertainment. It can also help users to document their memories, learn new things, advertise themselves or their products, and form friendships or communities online.

Some examples of popular social media are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and LinkedIn. Social media differs from traditional media in many ways, such as quality, reach, frequency, usability, relevancy, and permanence.

They also operate in a dialogic transmission system, where many sources can communicate with many receivers, rather than a monologic transmission system, where one source can communicate with many receivers.

Social media are based on user-generated content, which is the data created by users through their online activities.

They are influenced by various factors, such as technology, culture, politics, economics, psychology, and ethics.

Social media have both positive and negative impacts on individuals and society. They are constantly evolving and changing as new technologies and trends emerge.

Social Media and Ethics

Yes, there is an ethic in the use of social media. Ethics is the concept of what is good, bad, right and wrong in human behavior Ethics applies to social media because social media involves communication and interaction with other people, which can have moral implications.

Social media ethics is concerned with how to engage people and leverage social media appropriately and respectfully It involves being sincere, transparent, and responsible in how to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

It also involves being aware of the potential impacts and consequences of social media on individuals, groups, organizations, and society

Some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in the use of social media are:

Role dilemmas

How to balance multiple roles and identities on social media, such as professional, personal, friend, client, competitor, etc.

Tempo dilemmas

How to cope with the speed and pressure of social media communication, which can increase the risk of mistakes and misunderstandings.

Integrity dilemmas

How to maintain personal values and moral standards on social media, especially when faced with temptations or pressures to act against them.

Speech dilemmas

How to decide what is acceptable and respectful to express on social media, especially when dealing with controversial or sensitive topics.

Competence dilemmas

How to avoid exploiting or being exploited by the gaps in knowledge and skills related to social media.

Ethical principles to navigate social media

To navigate these ethical dilemmas, it is helpful to have some ethical guidelines or principles that can inform and support decision-making on social media. Some examples of such principles are:

Respect

Treat others as you would like to be treated on social media. Respect their dignity, privacy, opinions, and feelings. Avoid harming or offending others intentionally or unintentionally.

Honesty

Be truthful and authentic on social media. Do not lie, deceive, or misrepresent yourself or others. Acknowledge your sources and give credit where it is due.

Responsibility

Be accountable for your actions and words on social media. Consider the impacts and consequences of your posts and comments. Admit your mistakes and correct them when possible.

Fairness

Be impartial and objective on social media. Do not discriminate or favor anyone based on irrelevant factors. Recognize and address your biases and prejudices.

Care

Be compassionate and empathetic on social media. Show concern and support for others who are in need or distress. Do not ignore or neglect the well-being of others.

These are some examples of how ethics can apply to the use of social media. However, ethics is not a fixed set of rules that can cover every situation. Ethics is a dynamic and evolving process that requires constant reflection and dialogue with others. Therefore, it is important to keep learning and improving one's ethical awareness and judgment on social media.

Guidelines for Salesians using social media

There are different guidelines that could have a Salesian using social media, depending on the purpose, context, and audience of their online presence. Some of the possible guidelines are:

For personal use

A Salesian who uses social media for personal reasons, such as keeping in touch with friends and family, sharing their hobbies and interests, or expressing their opinions and feelings, should follow the general principles of respect, honesty, responsibility, fairness, and care in their online interactions.

They should also be mindful of their public role and identity as a priest or religious man and avoid posting anything that could harm their reputation or the reputation of the Church or the Salesian Congregation. They should also respect the privacy and confidentiality of others, especially those who are entrusted to their pastoral care.

They should also be aware of the risks and challenges of social media, such as cyberbullying, trolling, phishing, hacking, and addiction, and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others from them.

For pastoral use

A Salesian who uses social media for pastoral reasons, such as evangelizing, catechizing, educating, or communicating with their parishioners, young people or followers, should follow the specific guidelines provided by the Church authorities, local diocesan or Salesian policies.

They should also adhere to the teachings and doctrines of the Church and present them faithfully and accurately on social media. They should also use social media as a tool to enhance, not replace, their face-to-face pastoral ministry and human relationships.

They should also seek to engage their audience in a respectful and constructive dialogue, not a monologue or an argument.

They should also be creative and innovative in using various forms of media to convey their message effectively and attractively.

For professional use

A Salesian who uses social media for professional reasons, such as collaborating with other Salesians or religious leaders, participating in academic or theological discussions, or conducting research or advocacy work, should follow the ethical standards and best practices of their respective fields and disciplines.

They should also respect the intellectual property rights and academic integrity of others and cite their sources properly

They should also be open to learning from others and acknowledge their limitations and errors.

They should also be respectful of the diversity and plurality of views and perspectives on social media and avoid imposing their own opinions or beliefs on others.

They should also be prudent and discerning in choosing which platforms, groups, or networks to join or follow on social media.

These are some examples of how different guidelines could have a Salesian using social media. However, these guidelines are not exhaustive or definitive and may vary depending on the situation and context.

Therefore, it is important for a Salesian to always consult with their superiors, mentors, peers, or experts before using social media and to review and update their guidelines regularly according to the changing needs and trends of social media.

Internet in Cambodia

Salesians working in Cambodia, should be aware of the particularities of the internet in this country, especially about the official control on the Internet and the digital gap:

Internet control

The Cambodian government has adopted a National Internet Gateway, which requires all internet traffic in Cambodia to be routed through a regulatory body that can monitor, block, and disconnect online activities that affect national security, social order, culture, and customs.

Internet surveillance and data protection

The Cambodian authorities have increased their surveillance and data collection capabilities, using various laws and technologies to access personal data and online communications of internet users. These include the Anti-Cybercrime Law, the Law on Telecommunications, the Law on National Administration in the State of Emergency, and the use of spyware, hacking tools, and facial recognition software. However, there is no adequate legal framework or independent oversight mechanism to protect the data privacy and security of internet users from misuse or abuse by the authorities or third parties.

Digital skills and literacy

Many Cambodians lack the necessary digital skills and literacy to use the internet effectively and safely. They face challenges such as accessing reliable and relevant online information, protecting their online identity and reputation, avoiding online scams and frauds, and participating in online civic and democratic processes. There is a need for more education and training programs to enhance the digital competencies and awareness of internet users, especially among women, youth, ethnic minorities, and rural populations.

Purpose for the use of social media

Purpose

Salesians should use social media for pastoral reasons, such as evangelizing, catechizing, educating, or communicating with their parishioners, young people or followers.

They should not use social media for personal or professional reasons that are unrelated to their priestly or Salesian ministry or that could compromise their public role and identity as priests and Salesians.

Content

Salesians should use social media to share the teachings and doctrines of the Church, the Salesian spirituality, preventive system and to present them faithfully and accurately

They should also use social media to share their pastoral activities, experiences, and insights, as well as to provide spiritual guidance and support to their online audience, especially the young.

They should avoid posting anything that could harm their reputation or the reputation of the Church or the Salesian Congregation, such as controversial or sensitive topics, personal opinions or feelings, or inappropriate or offensive language or images.

Interaction

Salesians should use social media to engage their online audience in a respectful and constructive dialogue, not a monologue or an argument.

They should respond to questions, comments, and feedback from their online audience in a timely and courteous manner.

They should also acknowledge and address any criticisms or complaints that they may receive on social media.

They should avoid engaging in online disputes or conflicts that could damage their pastoral relationships or credibility.

Style

Salesians should use social media in a creative and innovative way, using various forms of media, such as text, images, videos, podcasts, etc., to convey their message effectively and attractively.

They should also use social media in a simple and clear way, using language that is understandable and accessible to their online audience.

They should also use social media in a consistent and coherent way, using the same name, logo, and profile for all their social media accounts.

Ethics

Salesians should use social media in an ethical and responsible way, following the general principles of respect, honesty, responsibility, fairness, and care in their online interactions.

They should also respect the privacy and confidentiality of others, especially those who are entrusted to their pastoral care.

They should also be aware of the risks and challenges of social media, such as cyberbullying, trolling, phishing, hacking, and addiction, and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others from them.

They have the duty to assist those who are more vulnerable or at risk such as minors and elderly persons, when they are exposed to social media, ensuring that they are protected and that they are also aware of risks.

The Catholic Church on social media

Some documents of the Catholic Church on social media:

The Church and Internet

This document was published by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications in 2002. It provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges of the Internet for the Church and its mission.

It also offers some recommendations and guidelines for the pastoral use of the Internet by the Church, such as promoting a culture of dialogue, respect, and solidarity; fostering a critical and ethical approach to information and communication; and enhancing the quality and accessibility of online content and services.

53rd World Communications Day 2019

Pope Francis highlights pros and cons of internet and social media use: This is the message of Pope Francis for the 53rd World Communications Day in 2019. It reflects on the theme of “From social network communities to the human community”. It emphasizes the importance of using social media to foster authentic human relationships and to build a culture of encounter and dialogue. It also warns against the dangers of social media, such as isolation, manipulation, polarization, and fake news.

The Salesian Congregation on social media

The Salesians are dedicated to the education and evangelization of young people, especially those who are poor and marginalized.

The Salesians have a policy about the use of social media that is based on their charism, mission, and values.

The Salesians use social media as a tool to communicate, inform, educate, and evangelize young people and the wider society. They use social media to share their

spirituality, identity, and activities, as well as to promote the dignity, rights, and welfare of young people.

The Salesian Constitutions are the fundamental rules and norms that guide the life and mission of the Salesian Congregation. The Salesian Constitutions contain several references about social communication, which is an essential aspect of the Salesian charism and pedagogy. Some of these references are:

Article 6

It states that the Salesians are called to be “signs and bearers of God’s love to the young”, and that they use “all the means which human progress offers” to fulfill this vocation. This implies that the Salesians should use social communication as a means to express and witness God’s love to the young people, especially those who are poor and marginalized.

Article 43

It states that the Salesians should “cultivate a deep interest in the world of social communication” and that they should “use with discernment and creativity the languages and instruments which modern progress offers”. This implies that the Salesians should be aware and updated of the opportunities and challenges of social communication, and that they should use them wisely and innovatively to communicate, inform, educate, and evangelize.

Article 44

It states that the Salesians should “promote initiatives of social communication” and that they should “collaborate with those who work in this field”. This implies that the Salesians should support and participate in various projects and activities of social communication, such as media production, journalism, education, research, advocacy, etc., and that they should work together with other professionals and organizations who share their vision and values.

Article 45

It states that the Salesians should “form themselves and educate others to a critical sense in the use of the means of social communication” and that they should “foster a culture of communication which is inspired by respect for truth, justice, solidarity, dialogue, and communion”. This implies that the Salesians should develop and teach digital skills and literacy to themselves and others, and that they should promote a culture of communication that is based on ethical and Christian principles.

The Salesians use social media in a responsible and ethical way, following the teachings and guidelines of the Church and the Salesian Congregation. They respect the privacy and confidentiality of others, especially those who are entrusted to their care. They avoid posting anything that could harm their reputation or the reputation of the Church or the Salesian Congregation.

The Salesians use social media in a professional and respectful way, following the norms and standards of each platform and network.

They use appropriate language, images, and content that reflect their values and mission.

They interact with their online audience in a courteous and constructive manner.

They acknowledge and address any criticisms or complaints that they may receive on social media.

The Salesians use social media in a creative and innovative way, using various forms of media, such as text, images, videos, podcasts, etc., to convey their message effectively and attractively. They also use social media in a collaborative and participatory way, involving young people and other stakeholders in their online activities. They also use social media in a continuous and consistent way, updating their online presence regularly.

Final words

Don Bosco was a 19th century Italian priest who founded the Salesian Congregation and devoted his life to the education and evangelization of young people, especially those who were poor and marginalized.

He was known for his innovative and creative methods of pedagogy and pastoral care, such as the preventive system, the oratory, and the salesian cooperators .

If Don Bosco were alive today, he would probably say something like this on social media:

Dear young people and friends,

I greet you with joy and affection in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Teacher. I hope you are well and happy in these challenging times.

I want to share with you some thoughts on social media, which are wonderful tools to communicate, inform, educate, and evangelize. Social media can help you to connect with others, express yourselves, learn new things, and participate in society Social media can also help you to grow in your faith, discover your vocation, and follow God’s will.

However, social media also have some risks and dangers that you need to be aware of and avoid. Social media can isolate you from real human relationships, manipulate you with false or biased information, polarize you with extreme or hateful opinions, and distract you from your duties and responsibilities. Social media can also harm your dignity, privacy, and security online, as well as your reputation and credibility offline.

Therefore, I urge you to use social media in a responsible and ethical way, following the teachings and guidelines of the Church and the Salesian Congregation. I also invite you to use social media in a creative and innovative way, using various forms of media to convey your message effectively and attractively. I also encourage you to use social media in a collaborative and participatory way, involving young people and other stakeholders in your online activities. I also recommend you to use social media in a continuous and consistent way, updating your online presence regularly.

Above all, I remind you to use social media in a spiritual and pastoral way, following the example of Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the ultimate model of communication, who became human to speak to us with love and compassion. He is the ultimate source of information, who revealed to us the mysteries of God and his plan for our salvation. He is the ultimate teacher of education, who taught us with wisdom and authority. He is the ultimate agent of evangelization, who sent us his Spirit to proclaim his Gospel to all nations.

My dear young people and friends, I pray that you may use social media as a means to grow closer to Jesus and to serve him in your brothers and sisters. I also ask you to pray for me and for all the Salesians who are working for your good. May Mary Help of Christians protect you always.

Your father and friend, Don Bosco