Many share “one lie after another” on social media that could instigate racial hatred and fear, and a manual will soon be published in a bid to curb such rash behaviour among youths.
“Youths need to understand they are responsible for every action they take, so they have to be aware where the information they are sharing is coming from and whether it’s true.
“Instead, they just share one lie after the other,” Fr Mark Cachia, director of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, told this newspaper.
His comments follow recent cases of unverified information that even made it to the news.
In one case, a picture taken during a protest in Germany in 2012 was shared on Facebook by users claiming recent refugees were waving the ISIS flag.
Closer to home, rumours circulated about a recent stabbing incident in Paceville involving a Libyan and six victims, claiming the number was as high as 25. This version even made it to the headlines in other newsapers.
Being responsible on social media is one of the issues tackled by a new publication called X’Jimpurtani (What do I care). The idea for the manual – the first of the sort in Maltese – started brewing when it was announced that the voting age could be lowered to 16.
It is meant to help youths reflect on social injustices and become responsible citizens, in the light of Catholic social teachings.
“We often hear, ‘Why should the Church care about such issues?’ Because the Church cannot close its eyes to social injustice,” Fr Cachia added.
The booklet includes a series of activities and tips for interactive discussions about issues such as migration, the environment, employment, poverty and fare trade. It will be officially launched during a seminar for youth leaders at the end of next month.
The activities mainly target 13- to 16-year-old Christians. However they can be adapted to other ages or different beliefs, as all citizens, irrespective of their faith, have to be responsible.
Fr Cachia believes that many youths are unaware of social injustices such as cheap labour, while others either show a sense of apathy or cynicism.
“Sometimes there is no connection between one’s religious beliefs and applying such values in everyday life. It does not make sense to go to Mass and then speak in a derogatory manner about migrants, or treat your employees precariously.
“I have heard people commending Pope Francis, but saying they disagree with him about migration. Christianity and racism are incompatible. I cannot say I’m Catholic and then hate a group of people,” Fr Cachia added, noting he was not referring to expressions of fear and concern. “The tragedy is that for some, Christianity starts and ends in the church building with no consequences for daily life.”
The training seminar, called Jimpurtani (I care) will be held on October 23 between 7pm and 9.30pm and on October 24 between 9am and 6pm at the Seminary in Tal-Virtù. Find more information on cfj@jesuit.org.mt.
In a bid to remain environmentally friendly, only limited copies of the manual will be printed, however it can be found on www.xjimpurtani.jesuit.org.mt.