As the world is in steadfast transformations so as the way of living also alters. Most people nowadays go with the fad. They are updated and employs modern means of transportations and communications .In the field of communication, it is necessary to have knowledge regarding the usage of the tools of social communication. Similarly, the Mother Church salutes men of geniuses who invent such complicated, usable, and handy facilities for the common good. Accordingly, these can be a great assistance in the ministry, mission and apostolate of priests and religious brothers or sisters. “In more recent times, the church has considered even the instruments of social communication as a providential means of the accomplishment of its mission to preach from the housetops, all the nations, and to the ends of the earth, the word of salvation.” However, each person should consider the tendency of using these tools because it brings a drastic change or dreadful effect to mankind. Nevertheless, the Church initiated a Guide in order to inform, and aid man to understand the dynamics of social communication. In this regard, they conducted a study in 1977 in all seminaries and provide an open discussion about the effects of these tools. Moreover, the motives are itself worthy of appreciation because of the advocacy on the effective utility of these high-tech facilities. Its primary objective is to help the aspirants to have a firm knowledge about the mass media. These are not only applicable for embellishment but also for practicality. Henceforth, it can aid seminarians in their study, and for future purposes. Consequently, there were challenges that emerged in applying this program to the formation houses. There were misunderstandings regarding the real objective of it, the lack of well- trained or well- informed staffs or teachers and primarily, the economic fluctuation that the seminaries are experiencing. Subsequently, there exists an insufficiency of budget for these programs. Likewise, some seminaries can’t afford to buy new tools, and hire professionals who will teach the seminarians about social communication. However, the Church didn’t stop its advocacy of implementing programs or conferences about the dynamics of social communication. In addition, this program is indeed a great help for the seminarians especially in their studies and growth. Strictly, it helps me to have a deep comprehension about the basic knowledge structures of mass media- its pros and cons. Also, it assist me in my studies especially in making my projects or reports. Hence mass media paves a way towards Christian maturity. This includes the social, cultural, moral, and spiritual aspect of an individual. Further, it also promotes critical thinking. Students and aspirants may have a panorama about the discussion on the instruments of social communication. Mostly, programs on televisions or advertisements trigger our mind and we became engrossed to it. We develop mechanical aptitudes and our minds often times distorted. Thus, practitioners of mass media should consider the current trends like religious and moral aspects or the proper attitudes toward mass media which greatly affect the minds and manners or conducts of the people. In this regards, they must teach the candidates for priesthood the pastoral trainings that are practically needed in their journey as followers of Christ. The formators or superiors in the formation houses should guide and gaze upon the needs of the seminarians so that they may be keep in good track.
Today, our world is dominated by new and high- tech facilities. We can observe how the world is in constant flux from primitive to more complicated equipments, and from industrial revolution to contemporary industries and machines. This is the age of the rise of the machines. Man was able to invent facilities which enable people to travel across the borders of the nations. Besides, he was able to built space rockets and space shuttles that could bring men into outer space. On the other hand, he was skillful in creating means for easy communication. Nowadays, it is faster and facile to communicate information, ideas, and transactions. It is one way of making great things possible.
In this regard, the Mother Church made a decree that pronounced a reaction on the handling of the instruments for social communication namely The Inter Mirifica. This decree acknowledged the proper use of the facilities such as cinema, radio, Televisions, news papers, magazines and others. This is true in this respect “that the Mother Church, to be sure, recognizes that if these instruments are highly used they bring solid nourishment to the human race.” Consequently, the modern kind of facilities offered general information or ideas to the citizens. In addition it can also be the source of entertainment and relaxation. In my experienced, I used such instruments for communication to gain knowledge regarding the happenings of the world. Generally, these are useful in the information process and it helps to link the members of the society. Subsequently, it is also my comfort zone whenever I get bored. On the contrary, I began to doubt whether the information is really factual and objectives. I also realized the effects regarding the usage of it. Accordingly, the Church has declared the bad upshot of it and she is aware of the advantages and disadvantages considering the managing of it. Hence, I realized that some of the programs on televisions or cinemas glorify crime, violence, rage, sex and pornography. It also brings man into a virtual reality and eventually became lost in this illusion. I think these instances infest the minds of the people especially the children. Even though there is an established regulatory board that screened scenes on movies, still there are scenarios that are dreadful to the people. In these situations, the Church pronounced that there should be a parental guidance. However, this indication will not suffice in protecting the morality of the youngsters because it is left on the individual’s initiative whether to ruin the development of society or elevating it towards progression. On one hand, the primary motive of the producer or those persons who are managing it is to generate money. Nevertheless, people are deceived because of the eye captivating advertisements which are shown in the public. On the other hand the Church again spoke that the best way to use the instruments for social communication is “to strive to apply them solely for the good of the mankind.” It should be a means in order to evangelize the people and help them to accord their doings to the teachings of God. In realizing this dream, media literacy should be included in the curriculum of education. For this reason, students can have a comprehension on the dynamics of mass media to the society. Besides, citizens must have a strong sense of cooperation in the indications given by the Church.
According to Fyodor Miclahovic Dostoevsky: “Inventors and men of genius have almost always been regarded as fools at the beginning (and very often, at the end) of their careers.” However, we owe all the technological inventions that help in the progress of the society to them. They were rejected in their time but they are venerated by men of the present time. Without their contribution, perhaps there will be a slow in progress. Moreover, their skills and genius cause the world to change its course. New technologies continue to emerge and they are constantly been modified for faster, easier, and becoming handy ( these refers to the tools for media communication). Consequently, mass media become a crossroads of the great social questions. It is diagnosed by its advantages and disadvantage. It is suppose to bring people to attain the common good and not for the individual good only. The realization of this purpose relies on the responsibility of man. He is the one who make choice whether to use this means of social communication for the fulfillment of the common good or for the realization of his ulterior motives. In order to safeguard the fulfillment of the common good there should be a necessary consideration. We are face with three major options namely formation, participation, and dialogue. “There should be in the first place, a vast work of formation is needed to assume that the mass media be known and used intelligently and appropriately.” Educating the people with media literacy is a good help in making them aware of how mass media can manipulate their minds. Eventually, this will help them to become critical thinkers. Subsequently, participation fosters the unity of the people who work in media to render to the people the necessary information that will help the ordinary people to choose wisely. “If the communications media are a good destined for all humanity, then ever, new means must be found- including recourse to opportune legislative measures.- to make possible a true participation in their management by all.” Furthermore, dialogue promotes good relationship between media personnel and the Mother Church. It is one way of having encounters that seeks to have suggestions and proposals necessary for the realization of common good.
“The Church often has declared her conviction that they are, in the words of Second Vatican Council, marvelous technical inventions that already do much to meet human needs and may yet do even more.” Indeed the mass media plays a significant role I the progression of society. We can’t deny the fact that it offers us many advantages. “Considering the media of social communication in this light, we see that hey contribute greatly to the enlargement and enrichment of men’s minds and propagation and consolidation of the kingdom of God.” Moreover, the internet made such contribution in the different fields such as in commerce, education, politics, and journalism. In addition, it also helps in bridging the gap of the relationship of nations. Besides, it renders us the understanding of ones culture and the lifestyle of the different kinds of race. Furthermore, the Church has its own purpose on the use of media communication. The aim is to invigorate the proper use of the media by removing hampering influences that will generate chaos, confusion of morality, and cruelty. In this regard, the Church seeks to have a “honest and respectful dialogue with those responsible for the communications media- a dialogue that relates primarily to the shaping of media policy.” This involves the understanding of the procedures, forms, purposes, modalities, and structure of media communication. There should be a formulation of suggestions and proposals to both sides so as to find solutions to social problems. This is also an answer I order to promote the Good News to the world. Likewise the Internet is a very important in the life of the Church. It provides a means for communication to particular groups (youth and adult) ad person living in remote areas. It also helps in communicating the new decrees and pronouncement of the Church regarding the current issues. Religious bodies, educators, catechists, and even ordinary people may be informed about what are the Church involvements in our present situation. People can find advices, reactions, and spiritual directions of the Church. In addition, it can help many educators who teach pastoral trainings for social communication, ad media literacy. On the contrary, the internet has its dark side. It also contains information, materials which contain violence and pornography. Nevertheless, there should be a proper understanding of what is the real purpose of the internet. In order to accomplish this proposals, people should inquire o the guidelines made by the Church concerning the use of media communication. Further, it should be exercise and observe by men so that other people may know and imitate it. Persons or groups who are more inclined to this field should advocate ad teach other people about media literacy. For this reason, it helps them to become aware of the guidelines or teachings of the Church and how mass media operates.
Advertisement is simply a public notice meant to convey information and invite patronages or some other response. AS what suggests, advertising has two basic purposes: to inform and to persuade, and- while these purpose are distinguishable- both every often are simultaneously present.” Advertisement can easily attract people. Advertisers use schemes that would stimulate the emotion of man. They usually make some exaggerations so to excite man’s feelings. In this way, most people are convinced about what is presented to them. They are persuaded to buy products. However, advertising has its benefits and disadvantages in the society. It is an effective tool in economic growth of one’s society. It also helps the people to become wise in buying products because it gives information. Also, it arouses economic progress through the expansion of business and trade. “All of this can contribute to the creation of new jobs, higher incomes and a more decent and humane way of life for all. Consequently, this helps citizens to know what are the new policies or proposals of their leaders. It also offers a cultural benefit because advertising helps in promoting the culture of one’s nation through entertainment and popular arts. Subsequently, it helps to communicate the Gospel to the world. It assists Religious institutions to p[proclaim the message of faith, compassion and service. “For the Church involvement in media related activities, including advertising is today a necessary part of a comprehensive pastoral strategy.” On the contrary, advertising dictates the lifestyle of the people. It presents the kind of good life suitable for the citizens. They present that the good life resides on the acquisition of material wealth such as money, gadgets, house, foods, cars, etc. in this respect; ordinary people become mare engrossed in material possession. Advertisers were able to control the minds of the consumers. Often times, they project women as object whose purpose is to satisfy others cravings. In addition it also excites man’s concupiscence. This is the reason why there are many violence happening all around the globe. This results to greed, selfishness, killings, abuses of women, and other dreadful crimes. Nevertheless, this can be avoided. What is needed is the redirection of the intentions of many advertisers. They should not withhold the relevant information so that people can know what is factual and not. They should also provide schemes that promote Christian values. Nonetheless, they should eliminate the propaganda that can distort the minds of consumers.
100 Years of Cinema is not only a celebration. Rather, this exhibits a guideline regarding the proper use of the means of social communication. This was initiated by the Pontifical Council for social communication. This contains primarily how media communication plays a big part in the lives of the people. Televisions, cinemas, comics, magazines and other forms of media communication are no ordinary things in our contemporary world. We can conceive the television as a common appliance in our houses. There are times that people specially the youth would flock into cinemas to watch the new release movies. Moreover, children would buy comics to update themselves about the new episodes of their favorite cartoons. Consequently, these tools for media communication can be the source of entertainment. In other words, this can be the comfort zone of people who are bored of their life. On the other hand, the means of social communication can help us to know information around the globe. On the contrary, experts analyzed that these tools can bring harm to the world. Children can imitate what they see or hear in the TV’s, cinemas and magazines. I have seen some children who imitated their favorite hero characters. They dressed themselves with a hero like costumes. Besides, they also imitate some behaviors and attitudes of their heroes. In addition, many youth of today accord themselves with the latest fashion, gadgets and others in order to be “in” to the changing lifestyle of the society. Hence, we can infer that we are being dictated by the mass media. We don’t have the control to ourselves. Despite these dangers, the Catholic Church is convinced that these tools can bring solidarity to people. This can be the bridge that will unite the people into mutual understanding. The means of social communication should be use properly and effectively. Accordingly, the Church has planned to initiate a guideline that is aimed to efficaciously use these gifts of God to humanity. Furthermore the Mother Church asks the collaborations of educators, parents, youth, media personnel to realize her goals. Subsequently, there are groups of people namely some experts from the Catholic University of Uruguay that already started this mission. The plan is called the “Plan Deni” that is intended to train children and young people in the field of social communication. There are also group of experts in Italy that started the plan to make a critical responses and understands the dynamics of Motion Picture medium and its content. On one hand, the article that was realized by the church during the said celebration contains suggestions how to improve or how ho deal properly with the mass media. These were systematized according to the subject that needs to be diagnosed. These are the parents, educators, youth, and the children. Furthermore, this guideline ought to foster Christian values instead of vices that can be reflected on TV, cinemas and magazines. These Christian values are as follows: love, joy, patience, good- will, fidelity, gentleness and self control. Hence, this can lead man to develop their personality, reverence to life, faith in God and love. In this regard, the people will discover that there are spiritual content in what they watch or hear. Indeed, the proposal can really help every people to accord themselves to the salvific plan of God. For sure, they will have the awareness about the dynamics of mass media and its effect to the society.
Media communication is inevitable nowadays. Our present generation is the age of new technology. The evolution of the new tools or equipments of social communication is observed in situations of our contemporary world. There is a rapid development of the tools for social communication. As the tools change so as also the lifestyles of people alters. In this respect, the progression of society also modify and the world begun to vary. Similarly, media communication initiates the drastic revolution of the world. “The means of social communication have become an important as to be for many the chief means of information and education, of guidance, and inspiration in their behavior as individuals, families, and within society at large.” Moreover, people have engaged themselves to the new technological environment. However, they are convinced that they are literate in media communication. On the other hand, they knew just a little portion of the dynamics of media communication. They don’t know that they are being manipulated and their minds are conditioned. Furthermore, this reality has been considered by the Mother Church. Accordingly, the Church doesn’t banned or against the media communication. On the contrary, the ministers of the Church acknowledge that these new technologies that are emerging is ‘a gift from God.’ This technology is a means to unite men and cooperate to the plan of God’s salvation. They knew very well that there is harm or dreadful effects brought by media communication. However, this should not hindered man to accord himself with the divine plan of salvation. Nowadays, I can observe that there are good numbers of Catholic organizations that initiates the proclamation of Gospel to the people. They have tried to spread the Good News through the use of media communication. There are numerous Catholic publications such as books and pamphlets that are distributed to the different bookstores nationwide. Besides, there are programs in televisions and movies that elucidate our crude beliefs about the teachings of God. Furthermore, the Mother Church considers the laying of plans so as to efficaciously inform the people about the Good News and the awareness of how media communication affects the minds of the people. One of the guidelines or plans is the educational program about media literacy that is intended to the priests, religious brothers and sisters, lay leaders, and seminarians from the different formation houses. This is one way to equip them with knowledge regarding the dynamics of media communication. In my own experience as a seminarian, this opportunity results to the total awareness of the dynamics of social communication. I thought that knowing only how to operate the new equipments, I will be able to grasp the dynamics of social communication. However, this is just an iota of becoming media literate. Nevertheless, the teaching of media literacy makes me more aware about how it affects and manipulates my mind. This also helps me to think critically by questioning things that the media communication offered. For this reason, it invigorates me to respond with scientific spirit to this emerging reality and not yielding to the dictates of media.
Media communication brought a new kind of modernity in our world. There is a lot of change in the way people live. This alteration influences primarily our traditional views and perspective on certain instances. Moreover, it also contested some of our conventions and outlook on life and the world. Thus, there are advancements in the way people think and decide. In this regard, media communication is not only defined by its advantages and contribution but it is also defined by its disadvantages. There are elements that present in media communication that suppressed the growth of the individual and the society. Primarily, these interventions are focused on the use of media communication. The abuses brought harmful effects on the people and to the community. Consequently, media communication provides for us entertainments that will help us to go to our comfort zones. Often times we watch programs on televisions or go to cinemas whenever we feel tired or stressed of our work. Sometime, the programs or movies that are showed in front of us glorify violence and even sexual promiscuity. Subsequently, some people taught that these things are good. I’ve remembered the famous slogan of the Hippies witch goes like this “Peace, Love, Sex, Rock and Roll”. I think this catchword connotes a kind of outshining and proclamation of sex is good. This revolution permits in one way or another pornography in the world. As I observed nowadays that there are good numbers of crimes and violence such as rapes, prostitutions, and child abuses etc. happening in most part of the world especially in the Philippines. These crimes are very connected to the Pornography. As what emphasized in the essay of the Mother Church that the “young and the immature are especially vulnerable and the most likely to be victimized” of this kind. On one hand, the children and the youth are the most affected by the dynamics of pornography. They may conceive some programs in the TVs and movies as good and moral thing to do. For this reason, they may become criminals or be engage in the pornography industry in the future. On the other hand, the producers and advertisers knew vey well the interest of the people- that is the realization of their passions. Also, the Church considers aspects wherein the porn industry is still going on. The porn industry provides “profit motives” that in the end they are the one gaining more money. In addition, they rely on the concept of “freedom of expression” wherein society could permit and tolerate them to do so. Furthermore, there are different sectors that are experiencing this kind of reality. One of these is the youth who are vulnerable to this reality. This affects the mentality of the youth and their outlook on life. The reason behind is the disorientation of the young people of today about human sexuality. In response, the Catholic Church reminds the world to have programs to combat this confusion. She pronounced that the youth should help themselves in fighting pornography by following the wisdom of their parents or guardians about matters on sex. Besides, parents should be responsible enough to teach their sons and daughters proper response regarding sexuality. Also, educators such as teachers should orient students about sexuality and new trends regarding to it. In addition, public authorities and Church ministers should cooperate in order to secure the morality of the people and screened the scenes on Cinemas, Televisions, and others that outshined sex and violence. Indeed, the dynamics of pornography destroy the good relationship of every individual in the society. For this reason, every people and existing authorities should unite in combating this libido of the society.
In man’s eagerness to communicate his thoughts, opinions, and ideas, he was able to change the course of human history. In his creativity, he invented machines and instruments for the purpose of faster communication. He created telephones, fax machines, radios, televisions, handy phones, and other kinds of published works such as newspapers, magazines, etc. These were built to transfer ideas and information. Accordingly, these instruments for social communication are constantly evolving to very complicated tools yet very effective for speedy communication. Nowadays, we can gaze upon the new models of laptops, personal computers, and handy phones. In fact, these are use all around the world. Moreover, these evolutions of instruments bring about a drastic alteration in communication. In this regard the Mother Church pronounced that the main goal of this reality is to promote unity and mutual understanding among the people. It aid man in their pursuit of solidarity and happiness. This also assists men in disseminating ideas and thoughts or information that may help the people. Besides, it helps the people to know such information that are needed in their every day living. In addition, it assists men in business transactions and most especially in a constant communication between family members. “The swift advances of the means of communication tear down barriers that time and space have created between men.” However, the problem arises when these were used only for self- gratification like generating more money through these tools. Subsequently, these tools have a advantages in the progression of a society or the community. In the field of education, these instruments of social communication guide the educators and students towards the betterment of their studies. Educators could instruct the students about such things through the use of the instruments. In this way, teachers can provide a new way of teaching with the use of new technology. Consequently, these were accepted by many institutions and even the Catholic Schools. Further, these gave a way in order to instruct the students about religion and basic education. It can help in instructing men about proper education, agriculture, medicine, and others. In the other side, the students may become knowledgeable about this new fad. Hence, they can be literate about it. In addition, it helps the students to express his thoughts through the use of these instruments. For this reasons, students can appreciate, get in touch with it and for learning experience. In other words, it helps the students to combat illiteracy. Further, the Mother Church urged the bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laity to participate in these new trends. Besides, they also encouraged the Catholic Schools to teach properly the students to use the instruments of media communication. In this way, the students may have the critical outlook about this reality. They could actualize their potentiality in choosing the best way in order to attain the progression of society through the use of these instruments. Also, the Philippine government had initiated in making the citizens knowledgeable regarding these tools as we may observed, there are subjects or course in the educational system of the Philippines. Moreover, they also provided computer laboratories so as the students may have an easier way to access themselves with these tools. On the other hand, they also initiated ETV programs such as Math Tinik, Sineskwela, Epol Apple and others so as to make a new way of teaching the students. Hence, the tools for media communication play a vast advantage to human progress. These were unavoidable in the development of our society as well as its citizens. Fortunately, even the Catholic Church urged its members to take part in this reality. Also, they create guidelines for the aspirants or candidate for priesthood so as they may be able to get in tough with mass media. Consequently, these tools are bridges that will connect the understanding of each member of the community or society.
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