Digital missionary warns of hate speech risks on social media

Father José Juan Montalvo, founder of the digital ministry for the Archdiocese of Monterrey, warned that hate speech and mockery on social media can harm the emotional health of young people. In an interview with EWTN News Español, the priest, known as Padre Borre, noted that while digital platforms allow people to find supportive communities, they also make it easy for individuals to criticize others without facing them directly.

Montalvo stated that people often write things behind a screen that they would not say to someone in person, frequently failing to realize the damage they cause. He also cautioned that users risk basing their self-esteem on digital approval, such as likes and comments. This pursuit of recognition can lead individuals to create a persona that does not reflect their actual lives.