Navigating the Fragmented Digital Landscape: European Christian Internet Conference Tackles Social Media Challenges in Tallinn
TALLINN, ESTONIA – The European Christian Internet Conference (ECIC) 2025 concluded its annual gathering in Tallinn, Estonia, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of the increasingly fragmented and fragile social media landscape. The conference, a hub for digital professionals representing diverse Christian churches and organizations across Europe, focused on equipping participants with the tools and strategies to navigate the complexities of online communication in uncertain times. From online pastors and digital strategists to content creators and social media managers, the ECIC brought together a vibrant community of individuals committed to ethical and effective online engagement. This year’s conference theme, “Social Media in Times of Uncertainty: Navigating Fragmentation, Ethics, and Strategy,” resonated deeply with participants grappling with the evolving digital ecosystem.
A key highlight of the conference was a workshop led by Lari Lohikoski, Head of Online Communications at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Lohikoski expertly guided participants through a discussion of the key dynamics shaping the current social media environment. The workshop fostered an open exchange of experiences and perspectives from various national contexts, allowing attendees to learn from each other’s successes and challenges. Participants explored the multifaceted nature of social media fragmentation, recognizing the impact of algorithmic biases, echo chambers, and the proliferation of niche platforms. The discussions also delved into the ethical considerations of online communication, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness, transparency, and respect in digital interactions. The workshop provided practical strategies for developing communication plans that are not only effective in reaching target audiences but also resilient to the uncertainties and rapid changes characteristic of the online world.
Beyond the core focus on social media, the ECIC 2025 program offered attendees a unique opportunity to delve into Estonia’s pioneering digital landscape. A visit to the e-Estonia Briefing Centre provided a fascinating glimpse into the country’s innovative approach to digital governance and services. Participants were introduced to the underlying mechanisms that have driven Estonia’s digital transformation, including e-governance, e-residency, and robust cybersecurity measures. The briefing centre showcased Estonia’s success stories, highlighting the potential of technology to streamline government processes, enhance citizen engagement, and foster economic growth. For the European communicators in attendance, this experience served as a valuable case study in the power of digital innovation and its implications for society.
The ECIC, with its two-decade history, plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the European Christian community. The annual conference provides a platform for digital professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and collectively address the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving digital landscape. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and denominations, the ECIC strengthens the network of Christian communicators across the continent, enabling them to learn from each other’s experiences and develop best practices for online engagement. This year’s conference in Tallinn reinforced the ECIC’s commitment to supporting Christian organizations in their efforts to effectively utilize digital platforms for outreach, ministry, and community building.
The discussions at ECIC 2025 underscored the importance of ethical considerations in digital communication. Participants recognized the potential for misinformation, polarization, and online harassment to undermine trust and erode the fabric of online communities. The conference emphasized the responsibility of Christian communicators to uphold ethical principles in their online interactions, promoting respectful dialogue, fostering understanding, and combating harmful online behavior. The call for ethical engagement resonated throughout the conference, reminding participants of the importance of using digital platforms to build bridges, promote reconciliation, and amplify positive messages of hope and faith.
Moving forward, the insights and connections forged at ECIC 2025 will undoubtedly shape the digital strategies of Christian organizations across Europe. The conference equipped participants with a renewed understanding of the complexities of the online world, providing them with the tools and knowledge to navigate the fragmented social media landscape effectively and ethically. As the digital environment continues to evolve, the ECIC will continue to play a vital role in supporting Christian communicators, fostering collaboration, and promoting responsible online engagement. The conference in Tallinn marked another significant step forward in strengthening the digital capacity of the European Christian community, empowering them to connect, share, and inspire in the ever-changing digital age.