Leading English prelate warns against Facebook, MySpace, calls for tax breaks for traditional families

August 03, 2009

Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster has warned against the “dehumanizing” effects of Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking sites following the death of a 15-year-old who was bullied online.

“We're losing social skills, the human interaction skills, how to read a person's mood, to read their body language, how to be patient until the moment is right to make or press a point,” he said. “Too much exclusive use of electronic information dehumanizes what is a very, very important part of community life and living together.”

The archbishop also denounced societal individualism and assisted suicide and called for tax breaks for married couples.

 

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Further information:

• Facebook and MySpace can lead children to commit suicide, warns Archbishop Nichols (Sunday Telegraph)