Archbishop Joseph Mercieca yesterday said that the use of the internet could be harmful to the people not only because of pornographic sites but also because of chatting that could lead to confusion and problems in one’s life.
Addressing journalist during a Mass celebrated on the feast of St Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists, Mgr Mercieca said that the internet led one to believe that everything is acceptable, and personal responsibilities and commitment can be
disregarded.
The mass media, he said, had no direct influence on the use of the internet, but could make its contribution to increase any kind of help people, particularly youths, could be given regarding using the internet correctly.
The internet offers a vast amount of information, but it does not teach values. The media could help the public open its eyes to the fact that such a marvellous tool could be used badly, which must be avoided.
Mgr Mercieca spoke about other matters, in particular the family. He said that while everyone had the right to speak his mind, the media should insist that marriage was a union between a man and a woman.
It is necessary and important to speak about marriages that fail, but it is equally important to stress that there are many
marriages that last a lifetime.
The Archbishop expressed the wish that discussion programmes on television are led in a way that help viewers understand the difference between what is a value and what is not. He said he is concerned about the fact that some programmes are more geared towards making money and increasing audiences rather than to promoting the value of the human being.
What good emerges from programmes that, instead of helping to build a sound society, risk sowing confusion or condoning lifestyles that go against human dignity, Mgr Mercieca asked.
He also argued against the manipulation of information. Cases where journalists are overcome by the temptation to be sensational or to toe a party line do more harm than good, he said.
Mgr Mercieca said that the media should also speak out against excessive gambling which was leading to problems in many families.