In 2026, it’s safe to say that most of us are on social media. Whether we use it to meet new people who share our interests, keep up with our family’s achievements and activities, or find a new craft or recipe, the digital world permeates many aspects of our lives.
Another popular use of social media is to connect with others who share in our Catholic faith. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) mentions, the landscape of social media is somewhat of a “digital continent” that serves as a platform to connect with other Catholics. As within all communities, though, there are disagreements and differences of opinions, such as the current divide regarding the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX).
As technology and social media continue to rapidly grow and expand, it is crucial that we communicate with our faith and its principles in the forefront of our minds. So, as Catholics, what are some guiding principles for our online interactions?
A Kind Word Turns Away Wrath
We’ve all seen social media comments sections that seem very, well, angry and combative. It can be tempting to get engage in these online arguments, especially when we feel strongly about the topic. This is the time to remember that our faith roots our words and actions in kindness. As Catholics, we believe that kindness can disarm even the toughest of tough people, and we should carry that with us in digital communication.
On the 57th World Day of Communications that took place on May 23, 2023, Pope Francis said, “Sometimes friendly conversations can breach even the most hardened of hearts…kindness is not only a question of ‘etiquette’ but a genuine antidote to cruelty, which unfortunately can poison hearts and make relationships toxic.” In other words, kindness is not just about “following the rules.” Speaking kindly is one of the ways to foster peace in an environment that is not always peaceful.
And, of course, the golden rule remains: Sometimes, it’s better to say nothing at all.
Using Social Media for Evangelization
Imagine someone curious about becoming Catholic or returning to the faith, scrolling social media in hopes of engaging with the Catholic community. What would you want to see, hear, watch, and read? My guess is that you’d want to feel welcome and would like to begin understanding what it means to be Catholic in 2026.
Speaking of which, being Catholic in 2026 allows all of us—from clergy to laypeople who enjoy sharing their faith online—to reach so, so many people and let them know what Jesus and the Catholic faith have for them.
Fr. Simon Esshaki, a Catholic priest with nearly 550,000 TikTok followers, emphasized during an interview that evangelization is one of our responsibilities as Catholics: “We have to meet people where they’re at in order to bring them to where God wants them to be.”
Social media allows us to share our faith in an environment where they feel comfortable.
We aren’t necessarily talking a 20-minute video of Sunday’s gospel (although that works, too). Jesus calls us to be a sign of contradiction—a simple video of praying before a meal, a graphic that displays a Bible verse that means something very special to you, or an explanation of one of the prayers of the Rosary are all ways that we can help others understand the beauty and good news of our faith.
Being Kind in Disagreement
This is where it all ties in together, friends: being kind and spreading the good news despite disagreements about our faith. The truth does not change with time, but how others interpret the truth certainly does. As Catholics, how should we handle these disagreements, and what should be the end-goal in regard to these conflicts?
First, it’s important to remember that being combative won’t solve anything. To again quote Pope Francis’ speech on the 57th World Day of Communications: “. . . what must be promoted is a form of communication that helps create the conditions to resolve controversies between peoples.” We should seek to resolve, not to further push the disagreement.
But how?
First, take a deep breath and do not respond immediately. Say a prayer to St. Rita of Cascia for patience, and remember that your goal is to be kind and speak the truth (not to “win” a digital argument).
Next, remember you are not obligated to spend minutes or hours in an online disagreement with those who are hostile and can’t seem to see your perspective. It’s okay to kindly remind them that Jesus loves them and then step away from the conversation.
Finally, remember that we can’t change people, even those who are blatantly wrong in their claims about our faith. Instead, pray for them, and ask God to work in their lives.
Being Responsible in a Social Media Age
Living in a social media era gives us the opportunity to share our faith with those far and wide. But with that comes great responsibility. In a world where we can be anything at all, we Catholics are called to be kind people who are happy to tell others the good news of the gospel and our faith. In a digital world full of different viewpoints and disagreements, we are blessed to be those called to soften even the hardest of hearts.
Find more news, events, and insights at The Catholic Echo.
