The livestreamed Mass was a godsend to a recent convert during the height of the pandemic. But the importance of a parish community and in-person encounters quickly became obvious.
Technology
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
The dystopian Superbowl ad for the metaverse raises serious metaphysical questions.
Virtual reality is taking off, and it is more than a game: The metaverse promises relief from human pain and longing. But can it become just another addiction?
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Cryptocurrency has taken the idolatry of wealth to a new level of sinfulness
Cryptocurrency is our culture’s idolatrous golden calf. We need to save ourselves (and our planet) from its empty promises.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
We’re not living in a simulation—and we need to stop acting like we are.
It is horrifying to think that some people would believe we are living in a simulation. But even more horrifying is the reality that we all actually spend most of our lives behaving like we are.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
A Catholic app raised $52 million. But praying with your smartphone has its limits.
If any app helps people to be more patient, humble, just, and attentive to the poor, it’s a good thing. But being an active member of a real community is likely needed as well.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
The meek will inherit the kingdom. The angry will inherit Facebook’s ‘metaverse.’
Facebook is in the business of amplifying anger, something admitted in its own internal documents. Instead of fixing the problem, it wants to add virtual reality to our worst forms of argument.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
We all love Zillow browsing. But there’s a dark side to the real estate app.
Zillow got burned by paying too much for houses. U.S. families are getting burned by skyrocketing housing costs. Artificial intelligence may be making things worse for both.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
The Vatican is worried about artificial intelligence
Speakers from several academic disciplines highlighted the need for the international community, governments, civil society and religious communities to address the myriad of issues surrounding machine learning.
Posted inFaith, Ideas
Zoom meetings have come for the Vatican. Here are some tips for Pope Francis and the cardinals.
The pope’s recent meeting of his cardinal advisors gave a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these men (and their Zoom game).
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Facebook wants to make ‘Instagram for kids’. Christian parents should keep their kids far, far away from it.
The real promise of “digital discipleship” should not prevent Christians from engaging in honest conversations about the harms of technology, especially to children.