Daily Frameworks for 02 December 2025

Fidál, 11 Qawl (Speech), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection

It is useful to bear in mind that the Internet is a reflection of the world around us, and we find in its infinitude of pages the same competing forces of integration and disintegration that characterize the tumult in which humanity is caught up. — Universal House of Justice ¹

Question for Consideration

From a Bahá’í perspective, how can we effectively utilize the Internet for the benefit of humanity and not get caught up in its reflection of the competing forces of integration and disintegration that characterize the world around us?

Perplexity Pro Response ²

From a Bahá’í perspective, the Internet should be used deliberately to advance unity and the betterment of humanity, consciously avoiding its negative aspects that reflect the world’s current turmoil. The Universal House of Justice encourages Bahá’ís to stand aloof from the negative forces operating online and instead utilize the Internet as a tool to promote the Word of God, inspire, and uplift others, intentionally ignoring negativity or opposition encountered during these efforts. ​​[1] [2]

Principles for Internet Use

• Uphold spiritual qualities such as moderation, courtesy, dignity, accuracy, and wisdom in online interactions. ​​[3]
• Focus on creating spaces that foster unity, mutual understanding, and hope, turning conversations toward constructive discourse regardless of the social reality mirrored online.​​ [1] ​[3]
• Refrain from engaging in arguments or confrontational behavior and avoid participating in slander, contention, or activities that cause sadness or disunity. [4]​ [5]

Practical Guidelines

• View the Internet as an unprecedented opportunity to share positive ideas and to build bridges between people from all backgrounds.​​ ​[6]​
• Promote rational, courteous, and well-reasoned explanations of Bahá’í teachings when misunderstandings arise, rather than matching hostility with hostility. ​​[1] [4]​​
• Use self-regulation, discipline, and forbearance, especially in the face of criticism or negative responses online.​​ [4]​

Advancing Integration over Disintegration

• Harness the integrative potential of the Internet by participating in discourse that seeks to unify, elevate, and build up rather than divide.​​ [1] ​[6]​
• Ignore destructive behavior or negativity, focusing energies instead on the daily opportunities to promote truths that lead to unity.​​ [1] [4]​
• Approach all online engagement with a spirit of genuine concern for others and a commitment to the oneness and wholeness of humankind.​​ [3]

The Bahá’í approach is to use the Internet as an instrument for spiritual and social progress by cultivating environments founded on Bahá’í principles, even when the content and interactions elsewhere may trend toward division or discord. ​​[1] [2] ​[3]

​Citations

1. Internet – Bahai9
2. Baha’is should use the internet wisely and positively – The Largest Bahá’í Facebook Group Ever
3. Internet – Bahá’í Quotes
4. Internet – Opposition – Bahá’í Quotes
5. Guidelines For Internet Communications (PDF) – Bahá’í Library Online
6. For you page: Centering spiritual purpose in the digital world – Bahá’ís of the United States
7. How to use Internet by Baha’is – The Largest Bahá’í Facebook Group Ever
8. Responding to Criticism and Opposition on the Internet – Bahá’í Library Online
9. 9 October 2015 – [To a National Spiritual Assembly] | Bahá’í Reference Library
10. The Parallel Processes of Integration and Disintegration – BahaiTeachings.org
11. Concealing the Sins of Others – BahaiTeachings.org
12. 2 March 2013 To the Bahá’ís of Iran – Bahá’í Reference Library
13. Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020 – Bahá’í Reference Library
14. Is it a common practice to excuse poor behavior and avoid personal growth in Baha’i? – Reddit, r/bahai
15. Advancing Civilization: A Personal Reflection | Baha’i Blog
16. Bahá’í World/Volume 21/Messages from the Universal House of Justice – Bahai.works
17. Internet, the World Wide Web, and Electronic Discussion Lists – Bahá’í Library Online
18. Guidance on Social Media – The Bahá’í Faith – Facebook
19. Audiobook: The Baha’i Response to the Crisis of Our Time – Bahá’ís of the United States

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

• How can Bahá’í principles guide online consultation and dialogue?
• What practical steps promote unity on social media platforms?
• How to design digital projects that foster moral and spiritual growth?
• Which online behaviors should communities discourage to avoid disintegration?
• How can local Bahá’í communities train members in constructive internet use?

Footnotes

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/425846067 ↩︎
2. Perplexity Pro. “Utilize the Internet for the Benefit of Humanity.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. December 1, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/it-is-useful-to-bear-in-mind-t-G8TAyY1_SEKNrrhxHLS3SQ#0. ↩︎