Pope Praises Social Networking, Warns Virtual Pals Can’t Replace Real Life Friends

And on the eighth day, the Lord said let them tweet.

On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI gave his approval to social networking ? while cautioning to not replace real friends with virtual friends, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

The religious leader gave the blessing in honor of World Day of Social Communications on Monday, saying it created “a great opportunity” for users and encouraged social network users to adopt a “Christian-style presence” online.

“If used wisely, they can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being,” he wrote in a letter to followers.

He cautioned that overuse of social networks could result in depersonalization, self-indulgence and alienation for users who mistake their online presence with their real world presence. He also warned against using social networks as a way to draw attention to oneself.

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