Will new media engage Millennials in eccelsial community? The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate tested some assumptions in a just released study.

CARA  writes “Many in the Church assume that the way to connect with this emergent generation of Catholics is not through traditional print media, television, or radio but online—through blogs, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accessed on smart phones, tablets, and e-readers. The hope is often stated that we may be able to use new media to get this generation “back into the real world pews” that are more often populated by their parents and grandparents.”

The fact filled report highlights that “Although Millennial Catholics are using new media frequently, they have yet to use it for religion and spirituality in any great number. Will they ever? How can this be achieved? Those are unanswered and difficult questions for now.”

It concludes “… that creating content for new media does not mean people will use it. The era of broadcasting is over. In a narrowcasted world, people have to be aware of and want to visit and use your content. Right now not enough Catholics seem interested or aware.

  • Is it the content?
  • Is it the crowded media environment?
  • Is it a culture consumed by pop media and entertainment?
  • Is it secularization?

“This study generated just as many questions as it did answers. New media will require new research and a new understanding.”

What do you think of the report and its conclusions? Join the conversation by clicking the Comment button.

(Image from Creative Commons)

 


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