digital natives

1. Digital Natives and Digital
Immigrants: Building a Wise and
Connected Church
• Catholic Youth Animation Program
• “Faith grows when shared, wisdom multiplies
when listened to.”

2. Who Are Digital Natives?
• Born and raised in a world of technology.
• Use smartphones, social media, and internet
naturally.
• Learn, communicate, and express faith
through digital tools.
•
“We are not just users of technology, but witnesses of Christ in the digital world. – Pope
Benedict XVI”

3. Characteristics of Digital Natives
• • Tech-confident and quick learners
• • Visual, fast, connected
• • Thrive on collaboration and creativity
• • Value authenticity and relevance

4. Who Are Digital Immigrants?
• Born before the digital era but have adapted
to it.
• Include teachers, parents, priests, religious,
mentors.
• Bring values of patience, reflection, and
discernment.

5. Value of Digital Immigrants
• • Rooted in tradition, ethics, and critical
thinking
• • Offer perspective and moral grounding
• • Model balance between online and real-
world life
•
“The wisdom of the old and the enthusiasm of the young — together they make the Church
beautiful. – Pope Francis”

6. A Balanced Approach: Technology
+ Wisdom
• Digital natives bring creativity and energy.
• Digital immigrants bring experience and
discernment.
• Together, they shape a responsible digital
culture.
•
“Technology gives us speed; wisdom gives us direction.”

7. Digital Natives as Content Creators
• Create, share, and influence through faith
reels, podcasts, and digital catechesis.
• “Go and make disciples of all nations” — even
in the digital world. (Mt 28:19)

8. Digital Natives as Consumers —
Pros & Cons
• Pros:
• • Access to global knowledge and mission
opportunities
• • Empowered to act for justice and peace
• Cons:
• • Overload and distractions
• • Risk of isolation and comparison culture
•
“Be still and know that I am God. (Ps 46:10)”

9. Creating Value-Based Content
• Move from consuming to creating meaning.
• Create content that uplifts, inspires, and
evangelizes.
• Practice digital virtues: truth, respect,
empathy, faith.

10. Wisdom from Thinkers
• Marshall McLuhan: “The medium is the
message.”
• Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do.”
• St. Augustine: “Our hearts are restless until
they rest in You.”

11. A Catholic Vision for the Digital
World
• Church calls youth to be missionary disciples
online.
• Share Gospel values through creativity and
service.
• Combine faith, technology, and love for
human good.

12. Reflection for Youth
• • Am I using technology to connect or to
escape?
• • What values guide my online presence?
• • How can I collaborate with elders for digital
wisdom?

13. Closing Message
• Let us be light-bearers in the digital world —
bridging generations with love, faith, and
wisdom.
• “You are the light of the world… let your light
shine before others.” (Mt 5:14–16)