The head of Valamo Monastery in Finland has stated that monks are allowed to use social media and streaming services, despite some concerns about excessive screen time.
In a recent discussion regarding the use of social media among monks, Arkkimandriitta Mikael, head of Valamo Monastery, stated that there are no restrictions on the monks' use of social media, streaming services, or traditional media. While some members of the monastery choose to engage with social media actively, others prefer to remain detached from it, highlighting the variety of personal choices within the community. This approach reflects a modern adaptation to communication in a traditional setting.
The discourse around social media use at Valamo Monastery contrasts with concerns raised by some other religious institutions regarding the digital habits of their communities. The monastery's leaders encourage individual reflection on the benefits and drawbacks of media consumption, emphasizing that discussions about these topics are common among the monks. This potentially fosters an environment where monks can balance their spiritual lives with contemporary communication tools, reflecting broader societal trends in media engagement.
Historically, communication among monks was conducted through letters, which represented a much slower and more reflective approach to interaction. The adaptation of using social media signifies not only a shift in external communication methods but also the monastery's willingness to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by modern technology, allowing for a nuanced understanding of faith in the digital age.
