Vatican Goes Cyber-mod, But Warns of Obsessive Behavior

Following the lead of Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama, the Vatican announced yesterday that it started its own YouTube channel to reach out to the digital generation, while also issuing a cyber warning.

Vatican sources said Pope Benedict XVI said this will give the Holy See better control over the papal online image, and in his maiden appearance Benedict welcomed viewers to this "great family that knows no borders." On the day the site was launched, the pope praised the Internet for its “gift to humanity” with the benefits of social networking. He noted such sites as Facebook and MySpace and said they foster friendships and understanding among people around the world. At the same time he issued a stern warning that virtual socializing can be risky business, and said people should avoid “obsessive” online behavior that could isolate them from actual social interaction.