Published: 2025-12-12

Catholic education and modern social communication technologies

ks. prof. dr hab. Jan Przybyłowski , ks. prof. dr hab. Ireneusz Andrzej Celary
Family Forum
Section: Rodzina, edukacja i sztuczna inteligencja / Family, education and artificial intelligence
DOI https://doi.org/10.25167/FF/5725

Abstract

With the advancement of modern media technologies, the context of Catholic education is changing and new challenges are emerging for parents, teachers and educators. An important task in the educational process is to help young people effectively counteract the threats associated with the use of modern social communication technologies. At the same time, educators should support young people in using modern digital technologies for their own development (self-education) and future activity in social life.
The aim of this article is to clarify the essence, goals and methods of Catholic education, which is influenced by the use of modern communication technologies by pupils. This article uses qualitative analysis and practical reasoning, which are used in applied theology, to focus on the traditional principles of Catholic education, i.e. the integral formation of the human person towards their ultimate goal, but interpreted in the context of changes related to the development of modern social communication technologies.
The research conducted showed that some of the traditional concepts used in theology can be replaced by terminology used in media culture (e.g. from dialogue to communication). Modern technologies will also change the cultural context of Catholic education and self-education, which may lead to addiction, isolation and a progressive loss of contact with reality, hindering the development of authentic interpersonal relationships.
The result of the research is therefore a practical conclusion that Catholic education should emphasise the role of community, which provides the conditions for real, authentic personal communication. In Catholic education, greater emphasis should be placed on the role of freedom in the responsible use of modern communication technologies. The research also showed that the main goal of Catholic education should always be to focus all activities on shaping maturity in the pupils' faith in Jesus Christ, who is most fully embodied in the Church.

Keywords:

Catholic education, self-education, modern social communication technologies, culture

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Przybyłowski, J., & Celary, I. A. (2025). Catholic education and modern social communication technologies. Family Forum, 15, 85–98. https://doi.org/10.25167/FF/5725

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