Search

The last decades have witnessed major changes in the way spirituality is perceived and is being practiced. As digital technology is being fully integrated into our daily life, most human activities are moving from physical spaces to augmented spaces, i.e., hybrid spaces powered by computerized technology. One fascinating, yet emerging element of this digital revolution is the fact that spirituality is also moving to these augmented spaces. This paper explores how the needs for spirituality of Human beings can get actualized in the new age of technology. We will describe how technology is preparing and supporting a shift of spiritual experience from physical to augmented spaces, by analyzing how technology interacts with both spiritual practices (rituals and places) and mediators (officiants and artifacts). We will also describe how the new forms of inequalities may emerge from this shift and might further impact current and future spiritual practices. • The last decades have witnessed major changes in the way spirituality is perceived and is being practiced. • Alongside other human activities, spirituality is moving from physical to augmented hybrid spaces powered by technology. • Technology is preparing and supporting a shift of spiritual experience from physical to augmented spaces. • Technology interacts with both spiritual practices (rituals and places) and mediators (officiants and artifacts). • New forms of inequalities may emerge from this shift and might further impact current and future spiritual practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Little research examines middle school gender differences in media multitasking. [•] We propose technology use and ownership mediate gender differences in multitasking. [•] We found gender differences in media multitasking among middle school students. [•] Technology use/ownership explain girls’ greater music and communication multitasking. [•] No gender, technology use or ownership differences existed for gaming multitasking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Little research has examined digital inequalities in social networking website use. [•] This study used a large sample to examine digital inequalities in Facebook usage. [•] Women were more likely to use Facebook for communication. [•] African Americans were less likely to use Facebook to check up on friends. [•] Those from lower SES were less likely to use Facebook for communication and sharing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]