A Christian's Guide to YouTube

[@MrPeach1]

prayer for me who is a you tube addict.

[@k-techpl7222]

I will pray for you. Hope your brain, heart, body and soul recovers.

[@joejackson6205]

Remember the suggestion to weild your agency. I recommend subscribing to those channels that fuel your spiritual growth and/or intellect, and make comments relevent to the video. When you are up to date with the channels that are helpful to you, close the app. Self disipline. Dont beat yourself up if you watch a funny cat and/or dog video, they are hard to resist. Personally, I stay away from any video that is more than 20 minutes long, unless its a channel that really benefits my growth, and only if I know I have the time to watch it. Also, train yourself to hit that skip ad button.

[@jellybelly7629]

Me too

[@MrPeach1]

@@joejackson6205 my problem is i start out with spiritual videos and end up learning how to drywall mud.

[@exerciserelax8719]

I prayed for you! Long-time Internet addict here. Since Covid started I've had KZbin on almost all day, either actively watching it or just letting it play in the background. Prayers appreciated! 🙏

[@iacobusmonsi3645]

SUMMA: 1. Control the environment - ad blocker - be cognizant of our own wound nature - have a sense of why 2. Recollect your mind - sense of purpose - scope of engagement - have a sense of limits - promulgate that law 3. Discipline your heart - you need self-knowledge - recognize the indulgence you give in 4. Wield your agency - do the things that you sat out to do and then do them well and then only do them - INTENTIONALITY - once you already watched it get out - watch, take notes, share and discuss - ENGAGE THE PLATFORM Thank you Fr. Pine

[@bigfootapologetics]

There needs to be a Summa Gregpinica for every one of these videos. They're so deep.

[@nikohoijarvi7041]

Well done! You were listening when he said to take notes and share with friends :) ENGAGE THE PLATFORM!!!

[@owenrobb7428]

Thank you!

[@aresye]

A word of caution from someone fascinated by machine-learning algorithms and how they affect people. The data these companies have on you is astronomical. It isn't just what you click on, thumb-up, or thumb-down. No, a lot of times these algorithms record seemingly mundane things, like the average amount of time you hover your mouse over a thumbnail, which part of your screen you like to move the cursor to when watching a video, etc. These algorithms are specifically tailored for you, and will also utilize data from other sites and data collection agencies. That's why you can be chatting with a group of friends about a certain movie, and later that night you see that movie recommended on your youtube home page. As much as I'd love to think God's providence is responsible for the "Fr. Mike Schmitz Effect," where videos (like this one) seem to come out at the exact time I needed to hear them, the more likely explanation is that these algorithms know me better than I know myself. It may just be simple mathematics (well, as simple as calculus and linear algebra is), and the goal may be simple in that it's designed to show me what I want to see. Problem is, what I want is not necessarily what I need, and in many cases it's the exact opposite.

[@luv4da80s]

I'm no computer genius but I have thought of all these things and the algo vs God influence in my life. A part of me still strongly believes that God is at work somewhere in all of this like a battle vs good and evil in the unseen realm, fighting to give us opportunities to click on the right and wrong things. As scripture says, God does not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can endure but then we also shouldn't put ourselves in the occasion of sin. I dont know if you know what I mean...hope you do.

[@AluminiumT6]

Nothing escapes the reach of God's Providence, not even algorithms.

[@aresye]

@@luv4da80s I get what you mean. I've often thought about how the spiritual war extends into the digital realm. Not denying God's influence over all things, as God rightfully has, but the sophistication of these algorithms and how fast the technology is progressing, would certainly dictate a high level of prudence, as Fr. Gregory Pine suggests here.

[@luv4da80s]

@@aresye oh yes it does.

[@jacksparrow1057]

@@AluminiumT6 What does that mean?

[@emmadumais2337]

Happy feast day of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel by the way!

[@tylerjarjoura3270]

This priest radiates truth. He speaks with such common sense and a perfect balance of spiritual and practical advice.

[@newglof9558]

Eerily timely video. I kind of made a fool of myself in some KZbin comments on a video from a pretty popular non-Catholic (not yet at least) but Christian KZbinr. I was arguing with a slew of atheists. Did it out of pride and normally I can frame it in the way I want. Not that day. I looked like a buffoon. I reflected later because frankly I saw it as a personal low for myself and thought if that is the culmination of my faith up to that point, then something about how I use this media needs to drastically change. This media has historically made me uncharitable and for a while I quite enjoyed being a troll. But I'm venting... thanks for the very timely and relevant video Fr. Pine.

[@Angelina6518]

Pray to The Holy Spirt for guidance.

[@kevinkelly2162]

Don't worry. Most religious people get their 'faith' handed to them when they confront an atheist that knows what he is talking about. A lot of atheist have been religious in the past and have studied their old faith before leaving it.

[@newglof9558]

@@kevinkelly2162 you overestimate your side.

[@exerciserelax8719]

I know the temptation to be snarky (or worse) in the comments! So easy to convince yourself that "they deserve it"... 😖 I'm TRYING to remember to be charitable always... and ask myself "Is this really going to help?"

[@Hyumifu]

Thank you. I relate to this a lot

[@marcosvinicius-iq4lp]

Dear Father Pine, I love you very much. You are a saint. Thank You for all, especially for the example you are.

[@fakename3208]

Very much appreciated. I just watched your video on how you don’t listen to music and I agreed with everything you said, but there are some diamonds in the dumpster fire of our culture that have really helped me know God and grow in a positive way (your channel included).

[@caterinadc5567]

Father, I really appreciate the specificity of this. I've committed to following counsel given by yourself and by Fr. Mike (I admire excellences you both exhibit, and I want to grow to become more like the two of you), and such specific and relevant advice is very helpful. I have taken notes, and will now be turning KZbin off, and only turning it back on when I have a bounded sense of purpose about why I am doing so. Thanks!

[@barbaraaspengen9810]

Adoration of the blessed sacrament is so awesome and I get to watch so many beautiful MASS all over the world and the Bible and I get the music of the Catholic church is so peaceful and spiritual.🙂💗😊

[@crusaderjuniorrevived6404]

Truly, father. I give you my sign of gratitude and respect. I am with acknowledgement and gratitude regarding towards you matey and all other fellow beneficiaries relating or pertaining this type of visual and auditory recording. Amen, friends. I give you all fellow brothers and sisters in our LORD Jesus Christ, my sign of gratitude and respect.

[@ninaaraneta]

I'm ashamed to say this but I needed this talk. Thanks for putting things into perspective.

[@margaritawelch1838]

Thank you for this Father. Bless you and Matt. 🙏🙏🙏

[@christianabella3592]

I really like the practicality of this and also the intellectual expansion of these points. Thank you Fr.Gregory! I need this too as with my everyday schedule, KZbin is almost always involved.

[@milliedeevers7009]

Thank you Father, 🙏🏻

[@haraldwolte3745]

*Summary* 1. Control your environment. Eg use ad blocker 2. Be cognizant of your own motivation. Are you sad, lonely, bored. Being aware is the first possiblity of being able to change. 3. Discipline your heart. Have rules, time limits. Be cognizant of your indulgences e.g you click on a thumbnail because the person is attractive. 4. Wield your agency. Don't let the platform wied your agency

[@markoz673bajen8]

One more to focus on what you need to search rather being distracted by clickbait thumbnails. Ex: " Hollywood Actor becomes a millionaire.... here are the tips (false proof)" Seriously the Internet has became the MetaVerse NY Manhattan.

[@eatsomeseaweed9760]

Needed this. Thank you!

[@janetrent3399]

Thank you Father Pine! God bless you!

[@david_porthouse]

I made my First Holy Communion in the Tridentine Rite which is now being phased out. KZbin is one place where I get an opportunity to comment upon it.

[@aCatholicCat]

Me Before I Was Catholic: Let's go on KZbin to watch some funny videos! Me Now: Let's listen to Father Pine talk about how KZbin Algorithm tries to make us *_lose our souls!_*

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Thank you for these awesome and much-needed insights, Father. God bless you and the team. 😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻❤❤

[@crusaderjuniorrevived6404]

God, You enabled St. Canute, Your Martyr, to sacrifice his life in the cause of justice. Through his intercession, help us to give up our lives for Christ in this world so that we might find eternal life in heaven. Amen.

[@madelinedavis6570]

Excellent analysis and practical direction for using a potent tool! The 4 points-- 1. Control the environment 2. Recollect your mind 3. Discipline your heart 4. Wield your agency --are really solid, concrete ways to be more human in using technology in general, but glad you framed this specifically for using KZbin in particular.

[@markhaydock8013]

Awesome. Thank you Fr Gregory, wonderful words of wisdom. We need more of this type of information in our rapidly changing world that involves technology. Staying healthy online is very important. Again as in so many cases happiness is connected to self discipline.

[@hogandonahue9598]

Very insightful! Everyone and especially myself need to make an examination of conscience more often.

[@ronciego9249]

Father, you know not probably how much I am in need of this 😭 I just can't seen to force myself to detox from KZbin. It has become, for me, a disordered attachment

[@luv4da80s]

Disable notifications, try fasting, get into reading a spiritual subject that interests you. Perhaps a Saint you can identify with. Stuff like this.

[@ronciego9249]

@Totus Tuus I have to admit, that, in this point of my young adult life, that is easier said than done. But, difficulty is not an excuse to not be virtuous. I willask strength from the Father that I may control my environment more. I've already put a timer on my KZbins so that my usage of the app is limited to 1 hr 30 mins a day. Hopefully, soon it will be 1 hr 30 mins a week. Thank you 😊

[@ronciego9249]

@@luv4da80s I've started reading St. Therese's autobiography, and I want to finish it more than mindlessly vegitating away on random KZbin videos. Thanks 😊

[@csk4j]

the significance of this video is massive

[@Joanna-jo13]

Great video! Please do a video to expand upon what you said about being addicted to fear. I would love to hear a more thorough explanation on that!

[@joebaasch4427]

Thank You Father Pine!

[@JoeTheLudicrousGamer]

Fantastic video

[@DanielParedes-m2r]

thank you!

[@joemac6172]

I thank the lord since my conversion I only have KZbin and all I have it’s videos about apparitions of our lady about miracles around the world, prayer videos and videos about my little Portugal etc. but other than that I won’t allowed to see something that I’m against it or I don’t really have the desire to watch something that’s going to control my mind and my soul, don’t like to watch video trailers and I don’t even watch Tv anymore because there’s nothing good on tv it’s pure evil all these movies out there not into Facebook,tic tick and what ever it’s out there, my lord have mercy on those who are addicted to social media etc. all I can say it’s im dead for this world but i am alive in spirit for the kingdom of God Amen 🙏

[@kevinkelly2162]

You have never seen a video of Our Lady or any miracle. Even in these days of cell phones she still manages to appear when nobody has a camera handy. Most peculiar.

[@AbsurdScandal]

I'd only like to add though that entertainment itself isn't intrinsically a bad thing - in fact it's a good thing, as seeking pleasure is natural to us. The key thing is to be self-disciplined enough not to allow it to waste more time than it should - otherwise though, spending a few hours simply enjoying a few fun videos you happen to see were uploaded recently isn't at all sinful! This also affects the watching-with-a-pupose part - you can choose to go and watch KZbin because you want to be entertained as your purpose, and then going away from the app after you've watched a few fun videos.

[@markweswhit869]

Thanks for the good advice 🙏

[@storyisqueen]

Probably best video on the subject. The only one that doesn’t just say don’t watch KZbin at all. That stance is slightly ignorant given it ignores all the good content. This one doesn’t. Friar Gregory Pine is so faithful and realistic.

[@Mark71082]

I agree! Brother Gregory is very realistic. There are so many good Catholic KZbin channels. Sensus Fidelium comes to mind. And I think that even things which aren't explicitly related to the Catholic faith can be good to watch, like videos of animals, God made the natural world and we can marvel and rejoice at it in video, especially things that you can't see around where you leave. Though I think walks are very good too. God bless!

[@liambrennan7410]

Excellent advice

[@magreyeyes]

Watching you and others are my youtube addiction 🤗❤️ and sewing vids

[@AJKPenguin]

New Advent blocked? Most impressive. I didn't know a Catholic encyclopedia would make a man sad and upset. You're a better man than I to have made that prudent determination Fr. Pine OP

[@femaleKCRoyalsFan]

I use KZbin to watch two conservative commentators from the daily wire, Lepanto institute Friday night live stream, Loom knitting videos, And now how to make a potholder on a potholder loom videos, And a few other things that are pretty clean. I also watch the remnant TV with Michael Matt & Project veritas

[@darksideluseefar5803]

GBU bro hallelujah

[@danielfernandezpeinado6294]

• Control the environment: AdBlock, have cognoscence of the approach to the platform • Recollect your mind: be mindful about your purpose in the first place and have determination for it • Discipline your heart: keep in mind the frequency and length of your breaks, set limits, rules. Recognize indulgence. • Wield your agency: don't have the expectance to be entertained, but have a specific goal in mind beforehand.

[@poppyde7314]

👍Thank you!

[@alphacharlietango969]

Interesting ideas, thank you.

[@bringlovetolife]

Another helpful tip is turning off autoplay on KZbin. Rumble probably defaults to no autoplay, which is where I first watched this video :) I also couldn't help thinking during your presentation, Father, "how much better is it when I choose to read instead of engaging with social media!" Read the "Divine Mercy Bible (Ascension Press)." Or go out for a walk! Reduce virtual "non-reality" and choose what's real! Tanya Tay Posobiec, Jack Posobiec's wife, was in Switzerland and the Facebook / Meta people were promoting engagement with their "virtual world." She pointed out how magnificent the Swiss mountains were and said that she preferred to engage with beauty in the real world. Isn't it interesting that when God creates beauty He elevates us, and when man promotes his "virtual reality" he often uses it for his own, often corrupt purposes. I share everyones struggle with these addictive algorithms. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

[@atetanka9307]

I didn't know I was addicted to this before.

[@mark_nemecek]

I wasted half a day watching novel videos then this showed up in my recommendations. OK, I can take a hint.

[@user-zo2ge3oe8d]

I am unfortunately addicted to KZbin

[@markbirmingham6011]

Comment for traction. Great thoughts challenge is in the implementation lil

[@jeremytech669]

I WATCH KZbin FOR 6HRS A DAY. I DON'T EVEN FOCUS ON MY STUDIES. I JUST SLEEP ON THE BED AND WATCH KZbin. IT JUST PULLS ME DEEPER AND DEEPER EVERYDAY.

[@nicoleyoshihara4011]

Yes 💯❤

[@MisterMunkki]

I'm fairly certain germans DID use to say Wanderlust, and that it's only been abandoned in favour of Fernweh with time

[@samn8309]

The first rule about 'controlling the environment', if I remember correctly, is similar to a DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) technique around mindfulness. When you engage something that tends to be for distraction or avoidance be aware and mindful as to what is going on. From personal experience this lessens disassociation from my body and myself. I'm pretty sure god wants me to be here in my body not floating three feet above. Ps. What is the connection between you and the Australian guy? You guys even look similar on a superficial level.

[@dianthevanweerden4380]

If we're not to use KZbin as a passive, vegetative pastime, any suggestions for alternative, less consuming vegetative activities?

[@devinthompson6445]

Question: what do you mean when you say “lose your soul”?

[@k-techpl7222]

Becoming sinful.

[@kevinkelly2162]

Find yourself.

[@xixichen4242]

I use youtube to watch Father Pine.

[@lamlam-on1kb]

Usualy i go to youtube for ansvers. When i dont know what to do and after spending time on youtube, most of the time im more lost.

[@markoz673bajen8]

I spotted Mr. BEAST Jimmy does actual charity work.

[@madelinedavis6570]

Though, if I could make one suggestion--the title would be more precise if it was "how to use KZbin" (with the addendum "in a human way" or "as a Christian"--merely calling it a guide sounds like a directory of good content (and maybe warnings against other things) which is quite different from (and less practical than) the proposed way of approaching the platform as a rational Christian. The points, though, are so universal, and the distinctions are made between being animal/controlled-by -passions-&-whatever-manipulates -them and being a rational human, that really calling it "A human guide to using KZbin" would not be unfitting.

[@Mark71082]

Christ reveals our own humanity to us so I suppose "as a Christian" and "as a human" are really not too far off :D

[@caedanjennings]

Also be very mindful what you subscribe to; they will populate recommendations which can be wonderful! Or Horrible.

[@MissPopuri]

I’ve taken a work week break from this one KZbin content creator because I know I consume his content more than I should. The things I have noticed is how hard it is to pull myself away from him when he has a constant stream of consciousness way of speaking. My tendency is to want to find a good spot to end, but it is always like another plot twist seeing what happens next. I think he is also good looking so it is also very distracting.

[@kevinkelly2162]

That rules out Ben Shapiro then.

[@crusaderjuniorrevived6404]

*_End dis is just abawt Yuchub!_*

[@zarganon9594]

If you are a KZbin addict, be aware: it is a coping mechanism to soothe deeper spiritual problems

[@1026JMS]

Probably a good rule is actualy in the opposite direction: start watching less and less KZbin videos as you grow older. You'll realise you'll need it less and less.

[@haraldwolte3745]

In the first 2 mins, the reference to the propoganda technique was to Bernays. There is a good documentary, ironically available on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3uWg619pLZ2atU . In a nutshell though, Bernays learned from his uncle, Freud, that humans wanted things that they saw other people wanting. This is very much what Rene Girard said also: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goTdd2WFfJeYoKs

[@grantbartley483]

I just watched YT for five hours. That's a normal day. I think there is something wrong there.

[@crusaderjuniorrevived6404]

Iti kinaagpaysuwan na ket Pader, awan pulus ti naawatak dita nasayaatt unay nga panagsaludsof kadakami panggep ti kayat na nga pag-sassawwan tungkulin ti Yutub. _"Ay patay na tayo Jan!!"_

[@luisylaaudiotecadebabel]

Hi Father. I like the content of your videos. Thanks. BUT..not sure if it is me but it is almost imposible for me to listen. Most of your sentences end with subtle high intonation, making them sound like questions. This is a very popular trend nowadays that percolated to all realms of daily life. I understand that. But still, I can't stand it : ). Not sure if you were aware that you talk like that (I don't remember your early videos having those), if you care, or if it is me. I thought of being honest and mention it. I hate not being able to listen to your content. Written with respect and appreciation of your work.Luis

[@cardboardcapeii4286]

No but who else is violently addicted to KZbin and twitter?

[@irynanesterova1902]

So, please, pray for peace in Ukraine and for Russia to convert to God. That way you will help to stop a lot of pain, despair and fear.

[@t3br00k35]

Just remember not to listen to music.

[@ericgutierrez2936]

I just blocked you. 🚫

[@TruthHurts2u]

Let me further help you. First, you should get and wear a blindfold. Then you should use some ear plugs with the blindfold. Next, you should only stick to videos with the comments turned off. Lastly, if some truth should get past all the bullshit you'll want to deny, deny, deny then lie, lie, lie. If all else fails, just quote the bible at them and put them on ignore, Besides doing nothing, it's the physical equivalent of prayer and just as effective.

[@thstroyur]

Thank you - your vacuous antirreligious talking points are duly noted, and carefully stored in the trash bin. Feel free to engage in a real conversation anytime you're done with empty strawmen, though.

[@TruthHurts2u]

@@thstroyur What's the strawman here? I haven't made a any built up assertions, only offered some tips for people who can't accept reality without a sky zombie to hold their hand.,

[@littlebitofhope1489]

@@TruthHurts2u I was in another comment section on another channel, and a person was talking about how they got attacked whenever they came here. I came to see why. These people are WAY too far down the cult hole. What I don't know is if they are Christian Nationalists. Do you have an answer to that?

[@thstroyur]

@@TruthHurts2u You: "What's the strawman here?" Also you: "people who can't accept reality without a sky zombie to hold their hand" Nice and circular - just like your worldview.

[@thstroyur]

@@littlebitofhope1489 "These people are WAY too far down the cult hole" Hmm... I wonder who those "people" you refer to are, since you left that on a cliffhanger. And, uh--what's this business about "Christian Nationalists", again? Would those happen to be theocratic fascist dictatorship advocates, like the "Sweet Baby Gang"? If so, it's easy to handle 'em - after all, daily cancellations are the law and order of the day...

[@cybereye2]

excellent video, Father. ty