The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture WOF 531: Social Media in Light & Darkness (pt. 3)
8 snips
Mar 16, 2026 
Steve Grunow, a Catholic priest offering pastoral and spiritual analysis, and Robert Barron, a bishop and theologian known for faith-and-culture engagement, discuss social media’s dark side. They explore online vitriol, how platforms amplify harm and gossip, the spiritual dimensions of digital evil, and the need for oversight, formation, prayer, study, and humility for those engaging online.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Social Media Is An Amplifier Of Human Vice
- Social media functions as a powerful amplifier that magnifies both human communication and human vice.
- Fr. Steve Grunow explains amplification turns gossip, reputation destruction, and social exclusion into widespread, often violent phenomena online.
Digital Malice Is Unforgiving And Permanent
- The digital space makes malice unforgiving because online harms persist indefinitely and can destroy livelihoods.
- Fr. Steve Grunow highlights examples like ruined job prospects from false or viral accusations that never go away.
Christians Often Join The Online Mob
- Christians are often participating in online mobs rather than resisting them, worsening spiritual harm in the church.
- Fr. Steve Grunow notes Catholic spaces normalize gossip, calumny, detraction, and social exclusion on social media.
