Intentional Technology Use Framed As Spiritual And Human Responsibility
At SEEK 2026 in Denver, young Catholics were told to use technology on purpose instead of just letting themselves be immersed in it all the time. The message stressed that technology should be used to help people grow and not take over their daily lives or spiritual lives.
Speakers said that using something on purpose requires being aware, having self-control, and having values based on faith and personal purpose. This way of thinking about technology changes it from something to use without thinking about it to something to take care of. It also goes against the cultural idea that being connected all the time makes you more productive or happy.
Source: Denver Catholic
Andrew Laubacher Shares Personal Journey Away From Social Media
Andrew Laubacher said he was going to quit all social media because he was tired, felt like he was always comparing himself to others, and was spiritually distracted while working on music. He said he felt like he had to leave even though people in the industry were telling him that it would hurt his career.
Laubacher said that quitting social media made friendships, prayer life, work, and mental health better. These changes made him believe that uncontrolled digital habits can slowly destroy relationships and self-awareness. Young Catholics who are going through the same things he did really connected with what he said.
Humanality Promotes Freedom Through Disciplined Digital Habits
Laubacher is now in charge of Humanality, a nonprofit that helps people build intentional relationships with technology. The group has a structured twelve-week digital detox program that helps people stop using their devices too much and focus on one thing at a time.
The goal of Humanality is to bring back freedom, presence, and meaning in a world where algorithms and constant stimulation shape everything. The program tells people to think about their habits instead of giving up on technology completely. This balanced approach stresses the importance of making sure that your online behavior matches your personal values.
Recommended Article: Security Bank Advances Tech Strategy With AI and Live Data
Data Links Rising Anxiety And Depression To Smartphone Design
Laubacher referenced public health statistics indicating a decrease in life expectancy and a significant rise in depression rates in recent decades. He talked about studies that showed that smartphone features that came out around 2010 made people more anxious, more likely to compare themselves to others, and more self-centered.
The front-facing camera was mentioned as an important design change that encourages people to constantly evaluate themselves and compare their images. Laubacher contended that this transition transformed individuals’ social perceptions of themselves and others. It also made the pressure to look good, get validation, and have an online identity worse.
Algorithms Shape Perception, Attention, And Lived Reality
Laubacher said that algorithms are increasingly shaping what people think is true by choosing information that encourages engagement. He said that scrolling for a long time can change how people think, act, sleep, and get along with others in small ways.
Living mostly through platforms that are driven by algorithms could make people feel disconnected from reality, community, and their own thoughts. Laubacher stressed that knowing how these systems work is important for getting back control. Intentional use starts with understanding how digital systems affect our feelings and attention.
Reclaiming Time Reveals Deeper Purpose And Vocation
Laubacher showed that most people’s lives are short and that love, creativity, and work can only grow in the little free time they have. He said that screens take up most of this free time right now, and people don’t always choose to do so.
He said that spending decades of life looking at screens takes away chances to grow, serve, and think. Reclaiming time lets people focus on things that matter. This point of view changes the way we think about digital moderation by making it an act of taking care of one’s own life.
Practical Principles Guide Healthier Daily Technology Habits
Laubacher said that three things should guide your daily life: be light, be giving, and be present. These rules say that you should limit your exposure to light during the day and at night. This will help you sleep better and improve your mental health.
Giving shifts the focus away from oneself, which is good for relationships and goes against the self-centered nature of social media. Being present makes you more aware of God, other people, and yourself. These habits keep technology from becoming a master.
