Pope Benedict, Saudi Grand Mufti warn of social networking

Pope Benedict

Pope Benedict XVI and Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti have called on their followers to “exercise proper discernment in the face of the surcharge of stimuli and data” on the Internet. The two religious leaders also urged followers to take social networking seriously and to understand these sources “should not” be the source of their knowledge.

Saudi Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh said that followers must be wary of social media, including Facebook and Twitter, as “they do not know the source of those comments.”

“Twitter is used to issue fatwas [religious edicts] without evidence or substantiation,” the mufti said. “It is used as platform to spread lies by some people who seek fame by insulting and denigrating other people,” he said in his Friday sermon in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

“People should be well aware of such dangers. The site should not be used to exchange accusations or to misquote people. Muslims should be careful not to be drawn into wrong acts and must instead engage in constructive criticism,” he said.

Pope Benedict also issued similar sentiments in his speech in Rome, saying that social media could become a danger for users, although he did praise their involvement in people’s daily lives.

“In concise phrases, often no longer than a verse from the Bible, profound thoughts can be communicated, as long as those taking part in the conversation do not neglect to cultivate their own inner lives,” Pope Benedict XVI said in his message for the 46th World Day of Social Communications.

“The process of communication nowadays is largely fuelled by questions in search of answers. Search engines and social networks have become the starting point of communication for many people who are seeking advice, ideas, information and answers,” he said.

The Pope stressed that people today are frequently bombarded with answers to questions they have never asked and to needs of which they were unaware.

“If we are to recognise and focus upon the truly important questions, then silence is a precious commodity that enables us to exercise proper discernment in the face of the surcharge of stimuli and data that we receive,” he said.