Into the Truth 20. Is There a Spiritual Cost to Social Media? - With Fr Toby Lees
Jan 17, 2025
Fr. Toby Lees OP, a Dominican priest and expert in moral theology, discusses the hidden spiritual dangers of social media. He explores acedia, a modern-day restlessness fueled by the attention economy, leading to distraction and 'brain rot.' Fr. Toby shares strategies to reclaim attention and seek authentic connections, highlighting the adverse effects of doom scrolling on personal relationships and mental health. The conversation emphasizes mindful digital consumption, advocating for deeper ties with God and each other in our tech-driven world.
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Acedia's Origins
- Acedia, meaning "lack of concern," originates from the Greek practice of neglecting to bury the dead.
- It's a dehumanizing element incorporated into Christian tradition by Evagrius of Pontus, who called it the "noonday demon."
The Noonday Demon
- Evagrius describes the noonday demon as making time feel slow and causing the monk to seek distractions.
- This resonates with modern experiences of procrastination and restlessness at work or school.
Naming Acedia
- Many recognize acedia in their lives once they can name it.
- Giving it a name helps conceptualize the various symptoms and understand the underlying issue.
