Is the Pope’s AI encyclical a warning on Tech Messianism?

We are living in a world backed by technology that seems to have a spiritual project of its own. Are the fears of the Pope’s AI-critical encyclical founded?

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The Conversation

AI can’t replace mental health therapists. But here’s where it might make a difference

As more people turn to chatbots for support, new research is exploring a potential role for AI in spotting early signs of depression.

Reza Shahamiri, Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau·Jul 9, 2026

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The Conversation

When managing your money, take a chatbot’s ‘confidence’ with a grain of salt

The higher the stakes and the more specific the questions, the more likely AI will stumble on personal finance advice.

Pawan Jain, Associate Professor of Finance, University of Michigan·Jul 7, 2026

Wired

Free quota

Pickup Artist Mystery Has an AI Girlfriend

A new book claims that Mystery, who teaches awkward men how to hit on women, had sex and smoked weed with an AI chatbot named Miss Shira Always.

Miles Klee·Jul 8, 2026·7 min read

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Literary Hub

Lit Hub Daily: July 7, 2026

How Joyce Carol Oates, queen of the literary internet, examines “the dispiriting effects of technology on contemporary life” in her new collection, The Frenzy. | Lit Hub Criticism Bryan Charles follows AI’s slow, steady invasion of literary translation. | Lit Hub

Lit Hub Daily·Jul 7, 2026

Nautilus

Was This Fossil Creature the First Right-Hander Ever?

A half a billion years ago, this organism preferred to bend to the right The post Was This Fossil Creature the First Right-Hander Ever? appeared first on Nautilus.

Jake Currie·Jul 10, 2026

Nautilus

If You Want Animals to Understand You, Speak Slowly

A new study suggests almost all animal communication shares a common, slow rhythm The post If You Want Animals to Understand You, Speak Slowly appeared first on Nautilus.

Kristen French·Jul 9, 2026