by Efi Efthymiou
Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana and All Albania focused his presentation on the role of technology in the field of mental health, during the third session of the Scientific Conference of the journal Theology.
The Archbishop emphasized that experience in the field of mental health is connected with the inability to manage emotions, as we see in personality disorders, with the lack of capacity to handle our thoughts or our impulses.
“A great difficulty is observed in managing the emotional burden that we constantly undergo. For example, addiction to mobile phones is now a recognized psychological disorder. All these results and this reality essentially highlight the need to approach technology as a force that demands heightened psychological abilities,” stated Archbishop Ioannis.
He further added that the proper use of technology presupposes the spiritual health of the user; it requires that a person be master of their own choices. Technology, when used by such mentally healthy individuals, can be beneficial. On the contrary, when used by those who are not mentally healthy, it can lead to alienation and narcissism.
Prayer in particular, the Archbishop of Albania noted, constitutes an exercise in discipline and concentration that strengthens a person’s inner world. “One may even argue that the ascetic tradition can be applied to our relationship with technology. The sacrament of confession, moreover, can help in addressing digital addiction.”
Archbishop Ioannis also stressed that digital discernment requires spiritual maturity. “Today we need new forms of pastoral guidance. The Church is called to offer a theology of technology that will highlight the good while also pointing out the dangers.”
