Zenit takes a look at "Christian Charity in Cyber Communities"

An interesting little interview done by Zenit today:

Q: What are some reasons for the growing attraction of young people to online cyber communities?

Ross: At a most basic level, the attraction you ask about is merely one instance of our natural desire to associate with others. Aristotle called man a "political animal." What he meant by this was not that we all have a desire to run for office, but that each of us is drawn to form groups and associations with others in order to realize himself. That is, it is the very nature of man to associate with others. As the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, No. 149, teaches, man "can only grow and realize his vocation in relation with others." The young are often skilled at using Internet technology. They appear to view these cyber communities simply as other opportunities to pursue social relationships. [More...]

Oh well, I guess this is a little foray into the hugely important questions concerning the place of internet communities in the wider social fabric - especially for Christians and among them, Papists like us.