• Says they pose serious threats to society, families, human relationships
• Urges youths not to lose humanity to algorithms

The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel ’Leke Abegunrin, has warned that the spread of fake news, careless social media posts and unethical communication practices are posing serious threats to society, families and human relationships.

The archbishop gave the warning yesterday during a media briefing and workshop organised to mark the 2026 Communication Week of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, themed “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.”

Abegunrin lamented that the digital age has created a culture in which people are increasingly treated as “content” rather than human beings, while truth is gradually sacrificed for popularity and online attention.

According to him, communication has moved beyond traditional newsrooms and broadcasting stations to influence almost every aspect of human life, including politics, religion, education, family life and personal relationships.

The cleric stressed that beyond technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital platforms, the human person must remain central in all communication engagements.

Abegunrin warned that irresponsible communication now has grave consequences for society, noting that a single false report or manipulated story could destroy reputations, create social tension and damage lives.

The Archbishop, therefore, emphasised the urgent need for ethical communication, urging journalists, media practitioners and social media users to embrace truth, responsibility and conscience in their engagements.

He, however, disclosed that the Archdiocese had concluded arrangements to launch a new official website as part of efforts to strengthen the church’s digital presence and evangelisation activities.

He said the church must remain visible in the digital space with “hope, truth, clarity and guidance,” especially at a time when many young people encounter the world first through their mobile devices.

Besides, Abegunrin has cautioned young people against allowing technology, social media trends and digital algorithms to erode their humanity, values and sense of identity.

The cleric expressed concern that many young people now measure their self-worth through online approval and virtual attention, warning that such dependence could have damaging emotional and social consequences.

“Use technology, but do not allow it to control your mind, values, emotions or sense of identity,” he said.