Still unsure what to give up for Lent? Pope Francis has an idea!

For Catholics who are unsure what to give up for Lent, Pope Francis has a suggestion. Give up gossip and internet trolling. 

Yes, that includes trollish memes.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
2/26/2020 (5 years ago)

Published in Lent / Easter

Keywords: Pope Francis, Lent, gossip, trolling, internet, online

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Pope Francis appealed to all during his General Audience on Ash Wednesday to give up gossip and internet trolling. He said, "It is time to give up useless words, gossip, rumors, tittle-tattle and speak to God on a first name basis." He added: "We live in an atmosphere polluted by too much verbal violence, too many offensive and harmful words, which are amplified by the internet. Today, people insult each other as if they were saying 'Good Day.'" 

Many Catholics give up social media during Lent, recognizing that it is a constant distraction that can be a negative influence on a person's life. Social media is a medium for gossip, fake news and false information, and all sorts of immoral behavior and ideas. 

Trolling is the practice of deliberately posting inflammatory content online to provoke emotional responses. It is a widespread problem, and one that is not likely to ever go away. While trolls take great pleasure in their practice, it diminishes the value of online discussion and can cause harm. On rare occasions trolling can develop into bullying and result in emotional distress and in some cases, self-harm or suicide.

While trolling cannot be solved, those on social media can defend themselves by developing a resistance to such behavior. When recognized, trollish comments should be deleted, blocked, or simply ignored. In serious cases, trolls can be reported, but that rarely produces a result and may encourage more aggressive behavior. 

As Catholics we should refrain from all such activity. It is inconsistent with our Christian calling. 

This Ash Wednesday, no matter what we have chosen to give up, let us abandon gossip and other such behavior that can interfere with our calling as Christians and our salvation.