Society and Conscience

What are the major influences that affect teenager and adult consciences?

Are these influences good or bad?

What happens when they are good? Strengthens and sharpens our conscience

What happens when they are bad? Weakens our moral sensitivity and resolve Desensitized: made less sensitive or responsive to or less aware of

How do we develop a better moral climate? Protect and develop our own conscience

Mass Media One of the most powerful forms of secular influence What are types of media?

What does the Church say? Can be an instrument that brings us closer to God Can refresh and nourish our human spirit If abused can harm society For users, ask: What is the message and what audience will it reach? Why is this message being communicated, and why is it being communicated in this way? Where, when and how is the communication to occur?

Are we influenced by the things we frequently encounter? Food example We need to carefully examine how we allow the media to affect our moral integrity Does the media affect you? Often think we are strong enough to not be influenced. Is this true? Do you have any affect on the media? How can you make an impact?

How can we maintain our moral integrity? Be aware of the moral qualities of media available to you Use media that are good Reject media that are dishonest, degrading, or dangerous– communicate why Realize the power of your choices Consider how your media choices affect your attitude What would Jesus think of my exposure to this type of media?

Advertising Ethics Preaching we hear about morals most often comes from advertisements Manipulation of our values Ask ourselves, “Why are we buying it?” What are some tactics ad companies use?

What are the ethics and values that are being sold to teenage boys? What are the ethics and values that are being sold to teenage girls? How do you feel about this?

Culture and Conscience Most cultural differences are merely social Some involve morally acceptable behavior Help society evaluate its flaws and limits Society needs to criticize and better itself

Review Social Influences on Conscience Desensitizing conscience The mass media Advertising Culture and conscience