Forming Men Through Engaging Communications:
The Case for Online Dialogue
Gen Z is deeply rooted in online interaction, making online dialogue essential for engaging them meaningfully.
Nearly 98% of Gen Z use the internet regularly and many spend a significant portion of their day online.
More than half use social media for at least four hours daily with most active on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube where conversations, news, and communities thrive.
(Source: Markets.us)
With this generation preferring interactive, two-way communication over one-way messaging, engaging them through online dialogue helps build trust, encourages participation, and reflects how they naturally connect, learn, and form opinions. Without dialogue in these online spaces, where Gen Z already spends time, efforts to reach them risk feeling out of touch or irrelevant.
CONNECT
CONNECT WITH MESSENGER EAGLE
Remember, we’re here to help you navigate the digital world to better resonate and engage with this generation of men. We’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
FINDING GEN-Z ONLINE
Three platforms popular with Gen Z are outlined below. Any of these would work well for hosting a private, bi-weekly group session to keep men engaged. When choosing a platform, focus on what’s easiest and most familiar for them to use—simple access and reliable notifications go a long way in keeping participation consistent. Pairing the platform with a steady rhythm and clear expectations will help build momentum and a sense of community over time.
Discord
The hub for gaming and shared interests. Young men use Discord for organized communities around hobbies, and ongoing conversations split into topic-specific channels. It’s where friend groups and interest-based communities overlap, offering both hangout space and structured discussion.
GroupMe
The simple group text solution. Young men use it for straightforward coordination—making plans, organizing events, keeping college or sports teams connected. It’s casual and low-maintenance, working like regular texting but with better group features and no pressure to be “always on.” This is a viable option for keeping your discernment groups informed and organized.
Slack
Typically used for work projects, internships, class groups, and student organizations, it brings structure and accountability to teamwork. Communication includes public or private group chats that allow for information sharing or questions, the ability to include a short video participants can react to or create a “huddle” where the group connects virtually for discussion.
Vocations directors must be where they are. Today, it’s where relationships begin and trust is built. If you want them to see you as relevant, you must actively engage them online. They expect it and learning how is an important upskill for you and your team.
Communication is not only the transmission of information, but it is also the creation of a culture, of human and digital environments that become spaces for dialogue and discussion.
Try This:
Here are three simple, yet practical ideas of how you can create online forums to engage Gen Z men in dialogue:
Host short, scheduled small-group video chats
Use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet to host monthly or biweekly conversations with 5–8 participants. Keep them informal (30–45 minutes), centered on real questions about faith, purpose, and life direction, and encourage open discussion rather than teaching or presenting. Begin with a group of men with whom you are already engaging, selecting a real-life topic that resonates with them.
Create a moderated group chat or private community
Set up a private Discord server, GroupMe, or Slack channel where interested men can ask questions, share reflections, and respond to weekly prompts. Having clear guidelines and active moderation helps keep the space respectful, welcoming, and focused on dialogue. Include another priest or member of your staff to participate with you, to keep to safe and best practices.
Use social media Q&A and discussion prompts
Regularly post short reflection questions and polls on platforms like Instagram or YouTube. Invite responses in comments or direct messages, then follow up by addressing common themes in short videos or live discussions to show that voices are being heard.
Be sure to download the PDF resource for more guidance on how-to.
DO THIS:
This year, show up where it matters: Add a dialogue forum to your vocations ministry.
Three Models That Work
Engaging men in their online spaces is crucial today. Show up, be present, and demonstrate your relevance by meeting them where they already are. Here’s how to create an online forum for meaningful dialogue…
