Abstract
Dear Editor,
A recent study stressed that while there has been an increase in internet exposure among people during the COVID-19 pandemic, the what of it is more important than the length of time spent on it (Wilson et al., 2022). The challenge is to be highly discerning and prudent of the nature and content of one’s venture into digital space. Recourse to digital technology must be viewed as a means to the achievement of something meaningful and worthwhile.
I herewith argue that among the many meaningful activities that can be associated with the transition to digitalization, participation in online/virtual religious gatherings can provide a positive impact on people. For Hicks and King (2008), religiousness is positively correlated with the perception of a meaningful life. In the Philippines, where the majority of people are Christians, the introduction of online masses and virtual gatherings provides a viable option for a lot of people to not only express their faith in God but to also stay connected with members of their church communities. While it is universally held that women are more religious than men owing in part to the former’s bio-physiological disposition for affective expression (Beit-Hallahmi, 2014), the positive impact and benefit of church attendance to men are also well documented and studied (Kvande et al., 2015). The emergence of cyber church communities somehow allows men an alternative to physical church attendance, providing them a venue for active religiousness and stronger social ties with members of the virtual community. Besides, any virtual religious gathering becomes the only viable means for people with physical or psychological difficulties. This suits well with men who are experiencing illness or stress as studies have shown that men tend to frequent church more often if they don’t feel well (la Cour, 2008; Sørensen et al., 2012).
Online and virtual gatherings are here to stay, even with the gradual reopening of religious places and houses of worship. The value of religious expression and spirituality nurtures men’s mental and emotional health as it provides a venue to receive emotional and social support. Within this digital space, healing may be achieved.
