Marián Gavenda

Prevention and therapy of media addictions through a spiritual path

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Violated interpersonal communication caused by an unilateral use of communication tools leads to a loss of interpersonal relations ability to live in „true reality“, a loss of balance between knowledge and capacities of the will. The proposed ways of „integral healing“ are based on intrinsic, integral connection of various dimensions of human being, where personal religious dimension plays an important role. The Prayer as the deepest personal and existentional dialog between God and the Human being; the Way of "Heart" Purification, understood as a nucleus of the Human being; the „Way of Beauty“ which develops visual perception, to the Admiration as a integral human act in the unity with the Truth and the Good. In addition, we are witnessing an increasing number of different forms of media (internet) addictions, especially among young people and children, the consequences of which are becoming more and more pronounced. As with any addiction, the basis of successful therapy is complete abstinence, which is almost impossible in the case of using the Internet in practical life. As with alcohol or drugs, spiritual therapy (such as Cenacle communities) offers effective options. Even more important, however, is prevention, which consist in direct personal relationships. The Vatican's Dicastery for Communication offers many suggestions in the form of papal messages for World Media Day, which are the result of the work of expert groups from around the world. The aim of the paper is to present these perspectives as a result of the author's current research.