Carbajo-NĂșñez MartĂn ,
Morality in the Digital Age, (28.10.2025), (37),
in
Blog: www.cssr.news, 36-EN (2025) p. 2
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Some scholars observe that, in contemporary society, the morality of self-denial has largely been replaced by a morality of self-fulfilment. Whereas the former emphasized social virtues and universal values—such as sincerity, loyalty, sacrifice, responsibility, and fidelity to the community—the latter centers on psychological and individual values [1].
Instead of prioritizing self-control and discipline over one’s impulses, happiness is now understood as being true to oneself and achieving personal authenticity. As early as 1950, David Riesman noted that external norms had given way to internal criteria.
An elderly friar in my community captured this shift well when he said: “When I entered religious life, I was told I was beginning a path of penance. Now young people enter to be happy. How everything has changed!”
1. Awakening Inner Motivation
In this new context, parents, educators, and mentors must begin by engaging the natural desire for self-realization present in young people and guiding it wisely. The goal is to help them feel genuinely motivated to contribute actively and generously within their families, schools, and society. Rather than insisting on what they must or must not do, mentors should illuminate the path toward which they can aspire.
Formative accompaniment, therefore, should not impose external rules, but awaken an inner motivation that harmonizes the desire for self-fulfilment with a life of service, responsibility, and transcendence.
This approach not only responds to today’s cultural changes but also has deep biblical roots: in Scripture, the experience of God’s love (indicative) inspires commitment and dedication (imperative). Likewise, in the spiritual life, mystical experience gives meaning and vitality to ascetic effort. Karl Rahner anticipated this when he wrote that “the Christian of the future will be a mystic—someone who has experienced something—or will not be a Christian at all” (Rahner 1969, 25).
2. The Priority of the Indicative over the Imperative
Formators must engage digital natives by revealing the profound values of consecrated life and accompanying them in their search for a why that gives meaning to their actions and aspirations. Only then can they navigate the constant flow of stimuli and demands characteristic of the networked society.
This approach is essential, for young people often show remarkable generosity once they transcend commercial and consumerist logic. A vivid example of this altruism can be seen in collaborative online projects such as the Linux operating system, Wikipedia, help forums, blogs, and volunteer platforms. These initiatives—driven by the selfless efforts of countless individuals—demonstrate that young people are willing to mobilize for causes that inspire them.
In vocational promotion, therefore, religious orders should not lower their standards to attract more candidates. Young people today are searching for meaning—an authentic purpose that speaks to the challenges of our age: hospitality and forgiveness in a world of competition; simplicity and moderation amid consumerism and the throwaway culture; fraternity and communion in contrast to anonymity and individualism.
Ultimately, the most effective form of vocational promotion is fidelity to the founding charism and to the essential values that give meaning to consecrated life. What should be offered is not an easy life, but a meaningful one—one that responds courageously to the great challenges of our time.
Conclusion
The digital realm is not an optional accessory but an integral dimension of modern life. This transformation has gone hand in hand with a profound shift in our moral outlook. The challenge, therefore, is not to erect barriers but to inhabit this new environment creatively—promoting ideals and values that orient our journey both in the physical and digital worlds.
In the end, our task is to build together a welcoming and well-structured space where we can share our goals and hopes, journeying as companions with all humanity.
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Prof. Martín Carbajo-Núñez
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[1] Adapted from: Carbajo-Núñez, Martín. Digital World and Consecrated Life: Opportunities and Challenges, Monograph “Religious Life” 2/138 (2025), 118 pp.
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