Experts Matter. Find Yours.

Beyond the Chair: How AI Is Transforming Modern Dentistry

A recently published article from Augusta University’s Jagwire is highlighting how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the future of dentistry not only in patient care, but also in education, research and clinical decision-making. The article features insights from Theodore Ravenel and third-year dental student Reid Loveless, who discuss both the opportunities and risks associated with AI integration in the profession. Ravenel explains how AI-powered tools are already assisting dentists with cavity detection, orthodontic planning, bone-loss analysis, and treatment forecasting, while also helping researchers process enormous amounts of clinical data more efficiently. He also emphasizes the importance of ethical safeguards, patient privacy and ensuring that AI tools are trained using diverse and accurate datasets. “It is really reshaping dentistry and how we practice dentistry.” Theodore Ravenel, DMD Loveless offers the perspective of a future clinician learning in an increasingly technology-driven environment. He describes how AI-supported educational tools developed by faculty such as Rafael Pacheco are helping students navigate complex patient scenarios, receive immediate feedback, and strengthen clinical reasoning skills. The article also highlights emerging technologies being used at the Dental College of Georgia, including virtual reality simulators and AI chatbots that provide students with real-time evaluations of dental procedures. Researchers such as Zoya Kurago are also leveraging AI to analyze large-scale datasets tied to cancer and oral disease research. Despite the excitement surrounding these advances, the article stresses that AI is intended to support, not replace, human clinicians. Empathy, communication and patient trust remain essential components of quality care. To learn more about how Augusta University is preparing future dental professionals for an AI-driven healthcare landscape, contact Rafael Pacheco at rapacheco@augusta.edu.

Pope Leo XIV Releases First Encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas"

On May 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV released his first papal encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.” The letter—true to its title’s meaning of “magnificent humanity”—addresses how society, collectively, must preserve human virtues in a time of rapid technological advancement. The 42,000-word document features five distinct chapters, exploring various elements of the broader issue at hand and serving as a guidepost for moral and ethical use of technology, through the lens of Church teachings. It covers everything from the development and principles of Church social doctrine to technological responsibility, the culture of power, building civilization through love and preserving humanity through truth, work and freedom. “In recent years, it has become increasingly evident how rapidly and profoundly digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming our world,” wrote Pope Leo in the encyclical’s introduction. “Technology should not be considered, in itself, as a force antagonistic to humanity. On the contrary… “Over the centuries, technological development has significantly improved the living conditions of humanity. At the same time, each phase of progress has also revealed the ambiguity of tools that can cause harm when not oriented toward the good… The power and prevalence of emerging technologies are interwoven into the fabric of daily life, shaping decision-making processes and deeply affecting the collective imagination: ‘Never has humanity had such power over itself.’ “[Most] people are watching and waiting, observing from afar and merely hoping for the best. For this very reason, crucial questions impose themselves on our conscience and can no longer be avoided: Where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?” What Is a Papal Encyclical? Popes have written more than 300 encyclicals—or “circulating letters”—since the mid-18th century. They were initially used to clearly communicate doctrine and guidance to priests throughout the world who were facing religious, political or social issues, which was especially useful as the world grew more interconnected and the Church grew larger. Beginning with Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum and continuing today, some papal encyclicals have been referred to as “social encyclicals” because they address a pervasive social issue through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and are written not only for those within the Church, but laypeople as well. Some examples of those included Pope Saint John Paul’s 1987 Sollicitudo Rei Socialis on international inequality, and Pope Francis’ 2015 Laudato Si’ on environmental care and social justice. “[Pope Leo XIII and his successors] were developing a new way of teaching the world how to order itself according to Catholic principles, now translated into a vocabulary that would be intelligible to the larger world,” said Patrick Brennan, JD, Chair of Catholic Legal Studies at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, on LiveNow From Fox. “They try to address important social questions in ways that any person of goodwill can read and understand.” “Encyclicals contribute to our collective wisdom for how to live as community,” wrote Sally Scholz, PhD, professor of Philosophy at Villanova, in her recent contribution to Church Life Journal titled “What to Look For in Pope Leo XIV's First Social Encyclical.” “The principles and various themes they discuss offer guidance for day-to-day interpersonal interactions as well as for how to participate as a Catholic and as a “person of good will” at every level of social existence: in our families, our communities, our institutions, our states and in our ‘one human family.’” Observations From Magnifica Humanitas A New Twist on a Longstanding Issue While the types of technology being discussed in the letter—particularly artificial intelligence—are unique to our modern times, encyclicals addressing how to interact with contemporary technology are far from it. “Discussion of the relationship between humans and technology appears in many of the previous social encyclicals,” wrote Dr. Scholz in Church Life Journal. “It is a social phenomenon with so much promise but inspires so much fear for how it will change work and the workplace, communication, global trade, war and the family.” “Technology is integral to evolution. Understanding technology's relationship to human welfare means grasping its role within the flow of biological and human life,” wrote Sister Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD, the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Christian Theology in the 2025 Global Sisters Report. What Pope Leo argues in his lengthy letter, boiled down to a few sentences, is that while technological advancements, and AI in particular, can be beneficial to society, they must never supersede human dignity, moral responsibility and the common good. A society that allows systems to replace human judgment, concentrate power or exploit workers risks dehumanization. For Jaisy Joseph, PhD, assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University, particularly striking was something not written in the document itself, but rather spoken at the official promulgation of the letter in Rome. There, Pope Leo was joined in powerful reflection by Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah. Olah analogized the current reality with bringing a fictional character to life, citing that while technical fields build the machinery of AI, “what character we choose, how it interacts with the world, how it ought to interact with the world— these are more clearly questions for the humanities, for religion, for philosophy, for society at large.” On that front, he then enlisted the help of the Church in addressing three pressing concerns related to AI and human flourishing, before ending with a request for the Church to continue to be an unyieldingly moral voice and informed critic. “The dynamic dialogue and discernment between Leo and Olah reflect a significant continuity with the Francis papacy,” Dr. Joseph said, referencing the late pontiff’s encouragement of “theology to adopt a transdisciplinary method that recognized how this discipline is part of a web of relationships among disciplines.” Technology Through the Lens of Augustinian Theology Throughout Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo’s ubiquitous thoughts and guidance on safeguarding humanity—particularly in the context of modern technology—are infused with references to the teachings of St. Augustine. “[Augustine’s teachings say] we need standards to guide our judgements and actions,” said Terence Sweeney, PhD, assistant teaching professor of Humanities at Villanova. “Pope Leo XIV, ‘a son of St. Augustine,’ offers us standards for how we judge our world in the age of AI. “One surprising standard in a document on Big Tech is that ‘a litmus test for social justice today is the treatment of migrants, refugees and those forced to move.’ Why this litmus test? Leo is shaped by Augustine’s rejection of communities of perfection where only the pure, powerful and perfect are welcome.” “Pope Leo beautifully aligns himself with traditional Catholic Social Teaching while grounding his vision in the theology of St. Augustine,” Dr. Joseph added. “The result is a groundbreaking defense of the human person in our new age of artificial intelligence.” Pope Leo, through a scriptural metaphor of the Tower of Babel, “resurrects Augustine’s famous warning that human history is a constant struggle between two loves fighting for our hearts,” Dr. Joseph said. He references how the builders of the tower tried to create “a single language, a single technology, a single direction” without reference to God. “The concluding paragraphs of chapter three highlight Pope Leo XIV’s distinctively Augustinian approach to evaluating the place of technology and scientific progress in the world,” said Emma Kennedy, PhD, assistant professor of Christian Ethics at Villanova University. “What we love, ‘both as individuals and as a society,’ will guide us to participate in ‘the rebuilding of Jerusalem’ or ‘the construction of Babel’––a contrast that hearkens back to Augustine’s ‘two cities.’” “Pope Leo [also] draws on an Augustinian spirituality that highlights fundamental desiring in the shared search for truth,” added Tim Hanchin, PhD, associate professor of Practical Theology at Villanova. “Our desire for truth, or wonder, reflects humanity’s transcendent origin and end. That we are created in the image and likeness of the Triune God (Genesis 1:26-27) distinguishes human knowing from mere data processing.” A Discussion on Slavery, Past and Present Intermixed with Pope Leo’s chapter four thoughts on modern slavery—such as various forms of human trafficking that he says are “directly linked to the digital economy”—he made an historic recognition and apology for the Church’s role in the transatlantic slave trade centuries ago. Tia Noelle Pratt, PhD, special assistant to the Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Villanova University, assistant professor of Sociology, and editor of the Journal of Catholic Social Thought, said that what makes this acknowledgement so important is how it differs from the way previous popes have addressed the issue, which have condemned slavery but remained at the individual level. “They spoke of their papal predecessors and those popes’ actions, but stopped short of invoking the institution itself and the institution's role in the promulgation of slavery,” Dr. Pratt said. Tying it back to current affronts on human dignity fueled by the digital age, Pope Leo penned his own papal version of the famous saying that “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” “If we want to avoid the need to ask for pardon again in the future for having failed to respect the treasure of human dignity that is required by our faith, it falls to us today to denounce, clearly and firmly, trafficking in its many forms,” he wrote. “Pope Leo is telling us today that we cannot have detachment between the past and the present,” Dr. Pratt said. “We must see how these things are connected.” Inspired by Rerum Novarum, but Far From a Repeat Pope Leo XIV signed Magnifica Humanitas on May 15—the 135th anniversary of the release of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum. That was the most famous social encyclical issued by the long-reigning pontiff and is considered to be a foundational text of modern Catholic Social Thought. It addressed numerous issues facing the working class during the time of the Industrial Revolution. On May 10, 2025—just two days after his election—Pope Leo referenced his namesake’s 1891 encyclical in an address to the College of Cardinals, foreshadowing the attention he intended to pay to the modern version of the same issue. “Pope Leo XIII in his historic encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution,” Pope Leo said in that address. “In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor.” Yet, while he was explicitly inspired by the 19th-century pontiff and his text, Pope Leo makes it clear early in Magnifica Humanitas that “While Leo XIII spoke in his time of ‘new things’ (rerum novarum), today we cannot limit ourselves simply to repeating his insightful teachings. “Instead, we must ask God for the wisdom to interpret the great trends of our time, particularly technological advances.”

Georgia Southern University names new dean of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., has been named the next dean of Georgia Southern University’s Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. He will begin his role July 1. Bhattacharyya currently serves as the inaugural dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Arkansas State University, where he has led a period of strategic growth focused on student success, workforce development and research expansion. During his tenure, the college launched new academic programs in high-demand fields, strengthened industry partnerships and advanced initiatives supporting student recruitment, retention and career readiness. “I have the honor and privilege to join Georgia Southern at an exciting time in its journey as it soars beyond its current very strong position in the state of Georgia,” said Bhattacharyya. “The energy on campus and within the college was palpable during my visit, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to build on that strong foundation and create a national brand.” Prior to his current role, Bhattacharyya held several leadership positions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, including interim vice provost for Research and dean of the graduate school, as well as associate dean of Engineering and Information Technology. He began his career as a faculty member committed to teaching, research and service, and remains an active scholar with externally funded research from federal agencies. Bhattacharyya earned his Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Rutgers University, along with a master’s degree in applied mechanics. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and serves as an ABET program evaluator. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Avi Mukherjee, Ph.D., said Bhattacharyya’s experience and leadership align strongly with the University’s strategic priorities. “Dr. Bhattacharyya brings a proven record of growing engineering education, advancing academic programs, bolstering research, managing accreditation, strengthening industry partnerships and positioning engineering and computer science for long-term impact,” said Mukherjee. “His commitment to faculty excellence, student success and workforce development will be instrumental as we continue to expand opportunities for our students and elevate the national profile of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing.” Looking to connect with Abhijit Bhattacharyya?  Simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

CAA warns drivers of emerging auto theft tactics that prey on the goodwill of drivers

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is warning that car theft is becoming more sophisticated and more personal, with criminals now targeting drivers directly using a mix of distraction tactics and high-tech tools. Police services across Canada have recently warned of an increase in “distraction thefts” occurring in parking lots, shopping centres, and other busy areas. At the same time, thieves are continuing to use relay attacks and key-fob signal-interception technology to unlock and steal vehicles without physical force. CAA cautions that these tactics are now being used together, creating new risks for drivers. A New Combination of Tactics This emerging method involves criminals engaging drivers in brief interactions near their vehicle while simultaneously using electronic devices to capture or amplify key fob signals. As a result, key fob-related auto theft is no longer limited to driveways or overnight incidents. Close physical proximity between drivers, their key fobs, and their vehicles can be exploited. These thefts can occur quickly and subtly, often without the driver immediately realizing anything has happened. In some cases, drivers may later notice an alert that their vehicle key is missing. This is an early sign that something is wrong. “Today vehicle thieves are becoming increasingly calculated, using distraction tactics alongside electronic tools designed to intercept or relay key fob signals,” says Elliott Silverstein, director, government relations, CAA South Central Ontario. “A brief interaction in a parking lot can quickly become an opportunity for organized criminals to target both drivers and their vehicles. Public awareness and simple preventative measures remain some of the strongest tools drivers have to protect themselves.” How Drivers Can Protect Themselves With these evolving risks, CAA is encouraging drivers to stay alert and take proactive steps to reduce their vulnerability: Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas. Be cautious of unsolicited interactions near your vehicle, including: Persistent or unusual requests for help Offers of gifts or incentives. Requests that require you to stay near your vehicle or move closer to another vehicle. Trust your instincts—if something feels suspicious, disengage and move to a safer area. Lock your vehicle immediately after exiting and confirm it is secure. Store key fobs in RFID-blocking or Faraday pouches to prevent signal interception. Keep key fobs on your person; avoid leaving them in carts, purses, or exposed areas. Consider visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or two-factor authentication such as after-market engine immobilizers. Remove personal information from vehicles and clear saved home addresses in GPS systems. Report suspicious behaviour to local police. Raising Awareness Is Key CAA emphasizes that as auto theft tactics continue to evolve, awareness and vigilance are essential to reduce risk. Drivers are encouraged to remain mindful of their surroundings, particularly in public spaces, and to take simple precautions that can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target of auto theft.

Approximately 4,400 degrees conferred during Georgia Southern’s 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies

Last week, approximately 4,400 graduates from Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro, Armstrong, Liberty and Swainsboro campuses received associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctoral degrees in five Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies. Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium and Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro, Enmarket Arena in Savannah and East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro on May 11, 13 and 14. “To our graduates, congratulations,” Marrero welcomed the crowds. “Today we recognize and honor your hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout your academic journey. The road to this moment has not been without its challenges, and your presence here is a reflection of your dedication, resilience and strength. You have every reason to be proud. This commencement is a meaningful milestone not only for each of you personally, but for the entire Georgia Southern community.” The Commencement speakers included: Bob Somers (’83) Nick Westbrook (’20) Berry Aldridge (’15) Kim Hartsock (’20, ’21) Rep. Butch Parrish Somers opened the ceremonies at Paulson Stadium with words of encouragement for the new graduates. “While this day marks your formal education coming to a close, the truth is your education and life is just now beginning,” he said. “When I look out at you, I don’t look at graduates. I see future leaders. And our future is bright because of what you’re going to bring to this world. “Georgia Southern gave me structure, opportunity and people who believed in me. One of my proudest moments was graduating from this incredible institution. Find your north star. What kind of person are you? What are your values? Be genuine with yourself and others. If you’re authentic, people will trust you and they will follow you. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Real leadership requires vulnerability.” Westbrook relayed the importance of service and character alongside leadership. “You will have the opportunity to influence people, organizations, companies and industries,” he said. “Use that influence for good. Your opportunity will not only be for a better job, more income or a higher position. The highest calling of your opportunity will be what you can do for the people who are affected by your influence. In a world that is becoming increasingly transactional, be the leader that goes the extra mile to make your world a little more relational, more kind, more human.” Aldridge enthusiastically challenged graduates to consistently recalibrate the way they think, and to consciously surround themselves with support. “Class of 2026, you’ve accomplished something incredible, but you’ve done it during a very strange and chaotic time in history,” he said. “I’m not breaking any news when I say that we are standing on the edge of a massive change to our jobs, our technology, our society. “I don’t know how AI is going to change the way we work or influence the job market. I challenge you to be skeptical even in your own most passionately held beliefs. That’s the only way to keep ourselves in check, and it’s the only way to keep ourselves growing. Nurture three types of relationships — one who lifts you up, another who tells you the truth, and one who will always show up — in order to succeed, he continued. And then be that person for others. Hartsock reflected on the generational impact of earning a degree. “For some of you, this is not just a personal achievement, it’s a historic one,” she shared. “You may be the first in your family to earn a college degree, and that accomplishment carries special significance. You are changing the trajectory of your family and setting an example for generations to come.” She asked them to be intentional about who they learn from. “Seek out people who can teach you things that books never will,” she said. “It’s important to look for leaders whose lives are marked not only by achievement, but also by joy and purpose. “Invest in this university. Join the alumni association. Help recruit future Eagles. Create a scholarship. Create opportunities for students to learn from you and work with you. Stay involved,” she said. “You never know, 25 years from now, you might be standing right here where I am. Congratulations, class of 2026 and Hail Southern!” In the closing ceremony in Swainsboro, Parrish encouraged graduates to continue learning. “Today is by no means an end,” he said. “It’s just the beginning. Your education has prepared you for what lies ahead. Your education allows you to create your own path forward. You have a unique opportunity to define your own path. You don’t have to follow anymore. Education is like insurance for whatever you’ll be facing in the future. “Education comes in many forms. There’s formal and informal, traditional, nontraditional and learned education, just to name a few. So, I encourage you to pursue a career in something that you really have a passion for and something that you really want to do. Whatever you decide to do is up to you, and your future is bright and it’s unlimited.” Video and Photo Links Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony 9 a.m. video on May 11 in Statesboro Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony 6 p.m. video on May 11 in Statesboro Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony video on May 13 in Savannah Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony video on May 14 in Statesboro Spring 2026 Commencement photos here Credit: Courtesy of Georgia Southern University Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 with a Carnegie Community Engagement classification, offers approximately 149 different degree programs serving nearly 31,600 students through 11 colleges on four campuses in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Swainsboro and online instruction. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern is a leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty and a focus on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to soar beyond and take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

Survey says: Senior leaders are using AI, but they could use more direction

Over the years, study upon study has shown that senior leaders are slower to adapt to new technology – email, the Internet and social media – than younger employees. That’s not necessarily so with AI, according to the University of Delaware’s Saleem Mistry. Mistry, associate professor of management at UD's Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics, recently conducted a survey of more than 200 university alumni, 75% of which had more than 16 years of professional experience. He found that senior leaders are actively adopting AI to solve their biggest challenges. However, they are doing so largely without structured support or guidance. Here are four findings from Mistry's survey that shows how AI is actually being used at the top. Senior Leaders Are Overwhelmingly Self-Taught Mistry said his most glaring finding is the gap between high AI adoption among senior leaders and the near-total absence of formal corporate support. Although a majority use these tools, they are almost entirely self-taught, which highlights visible opportunity that organizations aren’t really steering the AI conversation for leaders: • High usage. 62% of all senior leaders surveyed use AI tools "regularly" or "occasionally" in their work. • Training gap. Of those users, an overwhelming 80% report their organization provides "Never" or only "Sometimes" (mostly never) adequate training. Mistry said this shows that leaders from VP level down are using tools like ChatGPT and Copilot informally to keep up with heavy workloads, without any real organizational guidance. The stakes are high. In the survey, a vice president of legal was using AI for compliance tasks and a manager of three was using it for performance reviews, both with no formal training. “These are senior leaders handling sensitive work while essentially figuring it out on their own,” Mistry said. There is a clear ladder of AI use Leaders are not using AI randomly. There is a clear progression in how they use it, moving through three levels. • Tier 1 (The Drafters) This is the most common starting point. Leaders use AI to improve writing and communication. They draft emails, shape documents, and refine tone. As one Director of Product put it, it helps him "polish phrasing" and adjust tone and voice. • Tier 2 (The Synthesizers) At this stage, leaders use AI to manage information overload. They summarize meetings, condense documents, and pull together research so they can keep up with large volumes of input. As one leader managing a team of 200 said, "Being a leader requires attention in a variety of areas. AI helps me manage the vast amounts of information I need to consume." • Tier 3 (The Architects) Here, leaders move beyond writing and summarizing. They use AI to automate parts of their work. This includes building agents, creating custom GPTs, or designing tools that track work and performance. One leader managing 300 people said, "It will eliminate half or more of my overhead." Managers and individual contributors use AI for different reasons People managers and individual contributors (IC) are using AI for very different reasons based on their roles. • For people managers, their main challenge is scale. They are overloaded with communication and administration, so they use AI to reduce noise and keep up. They lean heavily on summarization and tone adjustment tools. • For project leads and ICs, their focus is output. They use AI to produce work faster, including drafting content, building decks, writing code, or generating ideas. This difference reflects their jobs. One group is trying to keep up, the other is trying to produce more. It also shows that AI is not a single-use tool. Its value depends on the problem it is being used to solve. This difference reflects their jobs. One group is trying to keep up, the other is trying to produce more. It also shows that AI is not a single-use tool. Its value depends on the problem it is being used to solve. Resistance to AI is mostly intentional Among the 38 percent of leaders who do not use AI, resistance is usually not based on lack of awareness. It falls into three groups: • The Ethical Objectors. Some avoid AI due to concerns about its broader impact. • The Quality Skeptics. Some do not trust the output and feel it is not reliable enough for important work. • The Blocked. Some are not allowed to use AI due to company policy. Mistry concludes that there is a clear overall pattern: Leaders are using AI in practical ways, but mostly without structured support or guidance. “If it feels like you are figuring this out as you go without much help from your organization, that is consistent with what most leaders are experiencing,” Mistry said. To connect directly with Mistry and arrange an interview, visit his profile page and click on the "connect" button. Interested reporters can also email MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Expert Insights: Want More Engagement? Eliminate the Barriers.

Anyone born in the 70’s or earlier will probably remember it well. Time was when playing any kind of video game meant physically disporting yourself to the local arcade—a twilight zone of flashing neon, electronic beeps and bops, and the clink of quarters hitting the slot. As technology advanced, the videogame came to you. Home consoles and TV stations rigged with joysticks duly became the mainstay of gaming. The Atari 2600 brought the arcade experience into dens all over the US; Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Asteroids now at the fingertips of a generation of games who no longer needed to leave home to play. Fast forward to the era of smart phones and hi-tech, and gaming has evolved again. Today, Fortnite, Minecraft, and The Legend of Zelda can accompany you pretty much anywhere—onto a train or a bus, into the canteen at work or school, or under the covers at 2am. In our always-on, on-demand world, video gaming increasingly meets players where they are; a play-anywhere, digital user experience that empowers individuals to engage with their game of choice wherever they are, whenever it suits, and via whatever platform they prefer, desktop or mobile. For users, the benefits seem clear. But what about game producers? As availability expands to new channels and platforms, how does it change user behavior? Does it deepen engagement or does cross-platform continuity simply end up redistributing play—the addition of each new platform shifting players away from, and effectively cannibalizing, existing channels? It’s a conundrum, and not just for video game producers. Retailers, bankers, insurance firms, media, and hospitality providers—anyone with an online-first approach looking to meet their customers wherever they are—should also be cognizant of the potential downsides of channel expansion in the digital space. Weighing in here is research by Professor of Marketing and expert in the intersection of sports and cultural analytics and marketing Michael Lewis. Together with Wooyong Jo of Purdue, Lewis looks at the impact of omni-channel strategy on videogames—a proxy, he says, for other sectors and industries. What they find is critical for marketers and decision-makers in any context or business setting. Increasing the digital touchpoints between your product and customers does impact behavior—but the net results are overwhelmingly positive. Video game players play more, they spend more frequently, and they integrate gameplay more deeply into their everyday lives. In other words, the investment pays off. And the dividends in customer engagement are serious. Switching to the Switch To unpack all of this, Lewis and Jo partnered with a large US video game publisher to analyze player-level behavioral data for one its major titles in the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, or MOBA genre. Players form teams and compete to destroy opposing team’s bases, selecting a character from a set of 100+ options. Revenue for the publisher comes from a “freemium” business model—users can make voluntary purchases to unlock new characters or buy cosmetic enhancements. These purchases are geared toward enhancing the gaming experience but don’t affect competitive outcomes, making them a critical measure of engagement. In 2019, the game was released for the Nintendo Switch, which can be docked in home consoles but is most commonly used as a mobile, hand-held device. PC players were given the option to download this new version and continue gameplay seamlessly using their existing accounts. Analyzing player behavior before and after the adoption of the new Switch platform, Lewis and Jo were able to zoom in on some critical measures of user engagement including game usage or the total number of matches played, in-game spending—what, when and how much players spent—and player inactivity or churn. “We were able to really get into player behavior over time, and what happens when you introduce the Switch option and remove the constraints of having to play in one place—the home or gaming PC,” says Lewis. “What happens when you make it possible for players to access the game they love while they’re commuting or on their lunchbreak?” Plenty, it turns out. Mobile access: gameplay, spending and churn Crunching the data, Lewis and Jo find that mobile access dramatically increases gameplay. Players who adopted the Switch version played approximately 31% more games than before—a dramatic uptick that underscores how flexibility gains translate into new opportunities to play and engage. And that’s not all. Lewis and Jo also find that gameplay becomes less concentrated within narrow windows—after school or work, say—and is now more spread out across the day, the result of the “ubiquity effect,” says Lewis. “Take away the constraints of having to be in a fixed location and you see players adding additional play sessions. Interestingly though, we don’t find any adverse effect on PC gaming. Players are simply playing more, and playing longer, rather than replacing PC time.” Then there’s in-game purchasing. MOBA-type games typically give players the option to voluntarily buy modifications for characters, known as “skins.” These skins are cosmetic enhancements: new armor, costumes, skill animations or effects. Crucially, these kinds of purchases don’t advance players to new levels of success in the game. Instead, they are used for personalization—to demonstrate status or to celebrate an in-game event. Lewis and Jo find that mobile adopters make more frequent in-game purchases. While the overall total doesn’t increase materially, these players are spending small amounts, more often—almost 7% more frequently than before. This makes intuitive sense, says Lewis. If players are logging in more often, they have more opportunities to feel inspired to want to spend on skins. But there’s another factor that may be at work. “With this kind of in-game purchasing, it’s likely that a lot of it is about credibility. When you buy a skin or a character pack, it’s like you have more aura within the game; you want to signal something to other players and let yourself be known. And this is more than just monetary, it’s about a deeper kind of engagement,” says Lewis. “It’s possible that as mobile access makes the game more of a frequent companion, as the rate of play increases, there’s this effect that players fall deeper into the community—their engagement deepens even more.” Interestingly, the shift to mobile access had the most significant impact precisely on those players whose pre-Switch in-game purchasing was lowest. These users, who were arguably most likely to disengage and drift away from the game, became significantly more active once the hand-held option became available. “If you have players spending less and less inside the game, the intuition is that these are the customers you are most at risk of losing,” says Lewis. “Bringing in the Switch has seen these customers—those more prone to churn—actively reengage with the game, maybe because they have greater propensity for the mobile version.” Either way, this should be a particularly interesting finding for marketers, he adds; retaining existing users is typically cheaper than attracting new ones. “The evidence suggests that mobile access can serve not only as a growth strategy, but also a defensive one if it helps keep marginal users engaged; those who might otherwise have detached from the product altogether.” Help Them Switch So far, so encouraging. There is one potential downside to porting a game or online product to a new channel, however, and that is usability. Lewis and Jo find that players who switched between platforms experience a slight, initial decline in in-game performance—likely because of differences in the control systems between devices. Players who’ve been using keyboard and mouse controls may need time to adapt to hand-held controllers. To mitigate this, he and Jo suggest that producers could offer tutorials or introductory gameplay modes that accelerate the learning curve as users adjust to the new interface. In most cases, usability should be factored in as an additional, hidden cost, when developers and organizations are contemplating investing in more online customer touchpoints. “Expanding your online channels will always have some cost. Taking a game from one platform and porting it to another one isn’t free, so you will want to anticipate the hurdles, even as you weigh up the clear benefits,” says Lewis. “The key is to make sure you protect your users. With things like video games, you want to think about how to guide or upskill your players, maybe have them play bots at first to ramp up their capabilities. Whenever you create a new channel that has a different operating system from the user’s perspective, you’re probably going to want to provide some aid to your fan community.” The benefits of omni-channel access should always be weighted against the costs involved, counsels Lewis. Even so, today’s competitive pressures—the seemingly inexorable march of technological innovation and evolving user expectations—are likely to make platform expansion unavoidable for most online businesses. In the world of video gaming, as major franchises release new products across multiple platforms, and player preferences become more sophisticated, companies may simply have to adopt similar strategies to remain competitive. “As everyone else invests in the same new technologies, you almost have to do the same—just as a matter of doing business,” says Lewis. “If you are launching a video game, you’ve got to compete with whatever Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto are doing. You can’t just tell your players they can only engage on one platform. The competition is continuously raising the stakes just in terms of the bare minimum.” Building Fandom: the Connective Cultural Tissue More broadly, Lewis and Jo’s findings speak to how human beings form communities of shared passion around business entities and, perhaps more compellingly, around cultural phenomena: video games, for sure, but also sports teams, music, films, comic books, fashion, and more. Understanding the mechanisms that drive and deepen engagement sheds more light on what Lewis calls the “connective cultural tissue of fandom: ”the powerful social bonds, camaraderie, and shared identity that connect people to cultural entities and to each other. Fandom, he argues, is the “key to our world.” Understanding fan behavior is critical to understanding how it is that games, brands, sporting teams, or politics forge communities built on shared passion. “Whatever your organization or business is, you are going to be interested in driving passion. You want people to engage and love what you do. What we’re looking at in this study is a building block towards understanding how cultural entities fit into consumers’ lives, and how eliminating barriers helps to expand communities and drive relationships—extending reach and engagement by weaving cultural experiences more deeply into everyday life.” The real challenge in front of organizations, be they video game producers or online retailers, says Lewis, is to give their product the kind of “cultural meaning” that creates fans—and not just users. “When you think about the behavior of fans, the level of passion and engagement that exists around cultural phenomena—whatever they are from video games to FIFA, the English Football League to the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift to the Republican Party—that’s where you see the passion that really drives the world. And that to me, is critical in understanding how business works, how societies function, and how our world evolves.”

The Biggest Study Yet on School Cellphone Bans Shows Results Aren’t So Simple

As more schools move to restrict or completely ban smartphones in classrooms, the largest study ever conducted on school cellphone bans is challenging assumptions about what these policies actually achieve. The new U.S. study, involving roughly 4,600 schools and researchers from institutions including Stanford, Duke, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania, found that strict cellphone bans dramatically reduced phone use during the school day. In some schools, classroom phone use dropped from 61 percent to just 13 percent. It's a popular topic and media coverage of the results has been extensive. But the findings became more complicated from there. Researchers found little immediate evidence that phone bans significantly improved test scores, attendance, classroom attention, or bullying rates. Some schools even saw short-term increases in student discipline issues and declines in student well-being immediately after bans were introduced. Still, the study suggested that longer-term outcomes may improve as students adjust and schools refine enforcement strategies. Teachers consistently reported fewer classroom distractions and stronger learning environments. Mizuko Ito is a cultural anthropologist of technology use, focusing on children and youth's changing relationships to media and communications. She recently completed a research project supported by the MacArthur Foundation a three year ethnographic study of kid-initiated and peer-based forms of engagement with new media. View her profile The findings arrive as governments across North America continue expanding school cellphone restrictions amid growing concerns about distraction, screen addiction, anxiety, and the impact of social media on youth mental health. The study highlights a growing debate among educators, parents, and researchers: while limiting phone access may reduce distractions, the relationship between young people, technology, mental health, and learning is far more complex than simply removing devices from classrooms.

Entering Second Year of Papacy, Pope Leo XIV Faces Both Historic and Novel Challenges

In his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV shared with the world a message of hope, communion and reconciliation, emphasizing the need to “build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.” Throughout the last 12 months, the Pontiff has placed these values at the forefront of his work and ministry, pairing active collaboration with prayerful contemplation in his leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. In the coming years, that emphasis is likely to continue, as the Pope addresses longstanding rifts and evolving challenges within the Church and beyond. Asked to consider the most striking aspects of his early papacy, and to reflect on the most pressing issues he currently faces, Villanova faculty members studying the pontificate had a wide variety of responses. Jaisy A. Joseph, PhD Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies For Dr. Joseph, Pope Leo’s first year has been defined by a spiritual vision centered on unity, listening and shared responsibility. “From the beginning of his papacy, Leo emphasized that we are a synodal Church working towards peace and moving forward together. Leo’s Augustinian formation will absolutely leave its imprint on what Pope Francis started. While the two have distinct personalities and styles, there is a fundamental continuity with Francis that Leo has signaled. Leo stresses that at the core of the Church is a deeper desire for a spirituality of ‘we’—a Church rooted in deep listening and bold speaking. This is where the Augustinian charism makes itself known. “This unity does not erase differences. Instead, it asks, ‘How do we create friendships that are strong enough to bear the tensions of our differences?’ In a world shaped by ‘us versus them,’ Leo insists on recognizing Christ in the completely different ‘other.’ “Finally, his leadership style is marked by discernment. Listening is so critical to him, and any caution he displays is not out of fear but wanting to listen before speaking. In a noisy world, he insists that we just need silence—trusting that through shared listening, the Church can move forward together.” Luca Cottini, PhD Professor of Italian Studies For Dr. Cottini, Pope Leo’s first year has been marked by a clear effort to position the Church in active dialogue with the modern world—especially in response to emerging global challenges, migration and an increasingly interconnected faith community. He draws parallels to the priorities of Leo XIV’s namesake, Pope Leo XIII. “Catholic social doctrine is a doctrine that the Church established to address subjects that are not directly written about in the Gospel. This doctrine was important for Pope Leo XIII and is increasingly important for Leo XIV as well. ‘Leo’ is a name that relates back to Catholic social doctrine and the need to read the changing signs of the times. By choosing the name ‘Leo,’ the Pope signaled his desire to respond to contemporary issues. “Leo XIV has also harkened back to Leo XIII in his first year by viewing migration and immigration not as a plight, but rather as an opportunity to enter into contact with new worlds. This approach connects to Leo XIV’s own background and perspective, which includes both proximity to and distance from the United States, giving him both an outsider and insider perspective as well as a critical thinking lens on these issues. “Lastly, Leo XIV has used his first year to elevate this idea of a universal Church that is much needed, shaped by his global exposure and an ability to see the world through the lens of others. He sees that we can dialogue with the world, approaching modernity not as an enemy but as something to engage with.” Patrick McKinley Brennan, JD John F. Scarpa Chair in Catholic Legal Studies According to Professor Brennan, “One of the issues that is on the Pope’s radar and has been from before the conclave is the question of the traditional Latin Mass,” a cause championed by various cardinals, bishops, priests and lay faithful around the globe. As he shares, it is a matter of great interest to a small but growing number of Catholics who recall Pope Benedict XVI’s statement that the traditional Mass—the Mass as it was celebrated by most Catholics since 1570—was “never juridically abrogated” following the Second Vatican Council. “Pope John Paul II in the 1980s, and then Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, liberalized access around the world to the traditional Mass. But Pope Francis revoked most of those permissions, citing ‘facts’ that have subsequently been called into question by investigative journalists and others. Pope Francis issued a document called Traditionis custodes, which [went against] the permissions that Benedict XVI gave in a document called Summorum pontificum in July 2007. “Now, the leadership of the Society of St. Pius X [an anti-modernist priestly fraternity] have announced that they’re going to ordain new bishops, the exact thing that got some of their predecessors excommunicated in 1988, so that the traditional Mass can continue to be celebrated and other sacraments can continue to be provided to Catholics according to the traditional rites. Reading between the lines, I think the Society of St. Pius X is trying to force Pope Leo’s hand on the Latin Mass. He’s been biding his time, working out how to respond to this hard question, and I think they’ve just decided that it’s an all-or-nothing situation. “It’s an example of how Pope Leo inherited some big problems, and I think most of the cardinals who elected him thought that they had chosen someone who, because he can listen and is committed to unity, will try his very best to find a solution that remains faithful to Catholic doctrine while bringing in as many voices as possible. Ironically, Pope Francis reduced legitimate diversity in Catholic liturgy, and while Pope Leo has a chance to restore that diversity, he has to do so in a way that addresses the irregular situation of the Society of St. Pius X.” Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Christian Theology Looking ahead, Sister Delio says one of the most significant social developments Pope Leo must face is the rise of advanced technologies—in particular, increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence models. “Our theological anthropology needs a bit of updating, as it does not currently meet the needs of our very complex world today. There are a lot of discussions on artificial intelligence and advanced technology, but the problem is that these technologies are already here and rapidly advancing. “So, we have to face this reality, not by asking ‘What is happening to us?’ but ‘What are we becoming with our technologies?’ and ‘How best can we remain human in an AI world?’ I think Pope Leo is asking similar questions, considering what makes the human person the image of God, what makes us distinct and whether there are human values that cannot be downloaded or reproduced in a digital medium. “At the same time, we must ask: Can technology deepen the human spirit by enabling a new level of collective life? Can AI technology empower the Body of Christ?” To speak with any of these faculty experts, please contact mediaexperts@villanova.edu.

Expert Insight: Netflix’s AI Bet Signals a Shift From Creation to Control in Filmmaking

Recently published articles in NPR and outlets like Rest of World explore how Netflix is accelerating its use of artificial intelligence in film production through its work with InterPositive, an artificial intelligence company built by Hollywood actor Ben Affleck, signaling a shift that is less about replacing filmmakers and more about reshaping how films are made. The deal between InterPositive and Netflix comes just over a week since the streamer pulled out of its plan to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery. Paramount agreed to acquire the media giant in a deal valued at around $110 billion. On Feb. 26, the Warner Brothers Discovery board declared Paramount's bid to be "superior" to an $83 billion deal it had previously struck with Netflix. Kimberly A. Owczarski, an associate professor at Texas Christian University who studies media franchises, told NPR in an email that Netflix's decision to partner with a filmmaker of Affleck's prominence sends out a positive message to an industry reeling from the threats posed by the growing adoption of AI across the entertainment landscape. "His status in the industry as a star, filmmaker, and producer gives substantial weight as he promotes a responsible use of AI in filmmaking," Owczarski said. March 02 - NPR The technology focuses on post-production efficiencies, using AI trained on a project’s own footage to handle tasks like relighting, continuity fixes, and visual effects, dramatically reducing time and cost while keeping creative direction in human hands. But the broader implications are harder to ignore. As Kim Owczarski notes in the feature by Rest of World, “AI is not replacing creativity, but it is reshaping labor,” underscoring how these tools could redefine roles across visual effects and post-production. While studios frame AI as assistive, the growing reliance on platform-controlled technology raises critical questions about authorship, workforce disruption, and who ultimately controls the filmmaking pipeline. Kimberly Owczarski is an associate professor in the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media at Texas Christian University. Her teaching and research focus is in the areas of conglomeration, franchises, media authorship and digital distribution. View her profile To explore how AI is transforming the media and entertainment industry and what it means for creative labour, production workflows, and the future of storytelling - simply contact Kim Owczarski for expert insight and commentary today.