Archbishop Charles Scicluna used his Christmas message on Wednesday to underline the importance of personal presence in a world dominated by social media.

“So many families, when they meet, if they meet, around the dinner table, are detached from each other’s presence because they are constantly engrossed in social media,” he said.   

The same applied to society, where many used harsh words because they thought they were protected by the anonymity of social media. But in personal meetings, the conversation would, perhaps, be different..

While it was good to use technology when it facilitated communication, “our physical presence together, the affection we have for one other, are indispensable human values for a good quality of life. And so, this Christmas, it is important for all of us who can be, to be present for each other.”

The Archbishop also urged the faithful to be wary of artificial intelligence because “what we think is true will not be true at all.”

The people, he stressed, should always seek the truth and not outrightly believe what they see or hear. 

Users of social media should also be charitable, loving, and caring towards one another.

“How wonderful it would be when we meet this Christmas, to forget for a little while the tools which are supposed to bring us together but are distancing us from each other, so that we can enjoy each other’s presence,” he said.

He also urged the faithful to go to the house of God, listen to the Word of God, and receive communion.