As part of the “School of Parenting” project, jointly organized by the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci and the Committee for Religious Education, a lecture entitled “Like, Group, Cult: Digital Sectarianism Among Youth?” was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the “Đura Daničić” Elementary School.
The lecture on this important and ever-relevant topic was delivered by Vlajko Panović, a specialist in medical psychology and the founder of the “School of Parenting” concept in Serbia. In his presentation, the lecturer addressed numerous spiritual, psychological, and social challenges faced by contemporary individuals in the digital age, with particular emphasis on young people who are exposed to various forms of manipulation through social networks, virtual communities, and pseudo-spiritual movements.
Speaking about the modern individual, Panović emphasized that contemporary man has become a “slave to information,” overwhelmed by content and messages that he is often unable either to recognize critically or to resist. He particularly stressed that many destructive forms of content are packaged in an attractive and seductive manner, leading modern individuals to voluntarily adopt patterns of behaviour that distance them from the true meaning of life.
The lecture continued with reflections on the spiritual emptiness of contemporary society, as well as on various forms of escape from oneself and from responsibility — through addictions, sects, guru movements, and other forms of manipulative systems. Referring to the ideas of Erich Fromm, the lecturer pointed to the tragedy of modern man who, despite living within society, increasingly remains lonely and alienated.
Special attention was devoted to the family and to children, who often find themselves caught between conflicting messages and contradictory educational models. Panović compared this situation to a person standing before a tunnel whose entrance is marked by two opposing traffic signs, illustrating the confusion and inner tension that children increasingly experience in the contemporary environment.
The lecture concluded with a lively and substantive discussion with those in attendance, who demonstrated great interest in the topic by raising numerous questions concerning the impact of the digital environment on family life, upbringing, and the spiritual well-being of young people.
Photo: Missionary Department of the AEM
