Resource Roundup
Some things I have found helpful lately: on AI school counselors, women's ministry formation, teen mental health, and deepfakes
In the realm of things relevant to women in youth ministry, here are some links I have found helpful recently:
When There’s No School Counselor, There’s a Bot - I have mixed feelings about this. Schools are using AI bots in place of counselors. It’s strange that students say they feel like it’s “someone who cares,” and also interesting to note that texting seems to be their preferred language/mode of communication. I’d like to see studies on how effective this is. On the one hand, it’s constantly available (which is good in some ways and multiplies its availability), yet on the other hand, it’s not human (which means you’re losing a lot).
Shifting Culture Podcast Episode 251: Anna Morgan - I recently became aware of Anna Morgan, whose doctoral research focused on women’s experiences and formation in ministry. This podcast episode will introduce you to her and her work. I’m excited to check out her book soon, as it provides a research-based model for developing female leaders in ministry, giving insights about their unique struggles, how women are formed for positive ministry leadership, and how churches can support women.
Mental health crisis ‘means youth is no longer one of happiest times of life’ - It’s common for people to say that high school was one of the happiest times of their lives, but as this article points out, the younger generations may no longer be able to say that. A new paper shows a change in the traditional pattern of happiness throughout one’s lifetime.
More Teens Than You Think Have Been ‘Deepfake’ Targets - This article speaks for itself. The numbers of teens who have been or know someone who has been a target of deepfake porn is alarming — as well as the number who found the tools to produce deepfakes through social media.