In an era defined by endless scrolling and "always-on" connectivity, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a timely and profound invitation for the Lenten season: the practice of Digital Media Fasting.
According to CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, excessive digital media consumption has become a primary source of distraction, fatigue, and a general lack of focus. Most importantly, it is creating a barrier between individuals, their loved ones, and their spiritual lives.
"Constant connectivity leaves little room for silence and reflection. Many struggle to be present to God and others because screens constantly demand attention," Archbishop Garcera noted.
Why Digital Fasting Matters in 2026
The Church’s goal is not to demonize technology, but to re-establish a healthy hierarchy. The message is clear: technology should serve human life, not dominate it. Stepping away from social media, online gaming, and streaming platforms is a modern form of interior conversion—a turning back toward what truly matters.
Here are the key benefits of reducing screen time this Lent:
* Restoring Balance: Giving the mind a much-needed break from "information overload" and the dopamine loops of social media.
* Deepening Reflection: Creating the "sacred space" necessary for prayer, meditation, and reading Scripture.
* Authentic Relationships: Prioritizing face-to-face interactions with family and friends without the intrusion of a smartphone.
How to Start Your Digital Media Fast
Fasting doesn't have to mean a total blackout. You can choose a level of sacrifice that challenges you personally:
* Device-Free Meals: Commit to keeping phones off the table during breakfast, lunch, and dinner to focus on those sitting with you.
* The "Golden Hours": Avoid scrolling for the first hour after waking up and the last hour before sleep.
* Notification Cleanse: Turn off non-essential alerts to reclaim your attention span.
* Scheduled Social Fasting: Pick specific days of the week, or the entire Holy Week, to log out of social media accounts entirely.
Lent is a season of sacrifice and preparation. This 2026, the challenge for the faithful is to trade "likes" and "shares" for silence and soul-searching.
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