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3 Ways to Make Digital Interactions Meaningful

BYU-Pathway students have many opportunities to interact in Christlike ways online

Woman sits and listens to music.

BYU-Pathway Worldwide students have many opportunities to interact digitally. As you engage with others virtually in your gatherings and online courses, consider these three ideas to make your digital connections more meaningful.

Motivate with messages

Sending a direct message is a simple but effective way to show someone you care. When guided by the Spirit, messages, phone calls, and even social media comments can help someone feel loved and valued. With many apps available, it’s easy to stay in touch.

The Apostle Paul said, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” 1

Consider how you can use digital tools to encourage and support other students in your gatherings and courses. For example, you can send a text to congratulate someone on completing their certificate or degree , or help a classmate with an assignment on a video call.

Smile through the screen

A man and woman speak on a video call.

Virtual PathwayConnect gatherings are a great place for meaningful digital interactions. In your meetings with service missionaries and fellow students, keep your camera on and listen carefully as others share. Participate by making thoughtful comments and responding to others with encouraging words.

You can even send a message in the meeting chat to tell someone you appreciated their comments. As you interact with sincerity and kindness, you will likely receive the same in return.

BYU-Pathway students frequently interact with other students across the world. Even if you live miles apart, your light can shine through a screen and have a positive impact.

Uplift with social media

Photo of social media apps on a smartphone.

You have many opportunities to use social media for good. For example, you can share an inspiring quote or scripture verse from your religious institute course in a post or personal message. You could also leave an encouraging comment when BYU-Pathway posts a student's story on Facebook . Consider inviting others to learn about BYU-Pathway — you never know who in your circle of influence could benefit from the opportunity.

You can use social media in a Christlike way by making your posts and comments uplifting and kind. Always remember that you are a representative of Jesus Christ, even when interacting online. President Russell M. Nelson encouraged us to avoid contention: “If a friend on social media has strong political or social views that violate everything you believe in, an angry, cutting retort by you will not help…. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.” 2
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Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 100
Always remember that the people you interact with digitally are children of God, just like the people sitting at your dinner table or next to you in church. Ask the Lord to help you "[be] an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity,” 3 as you communicate online.