In 2018, the well-known Catholic musician Andrew Laubacher made the daring and decisive choice to renounce his presence on social media and transition to using a flip phone, a move that initially appeared to carry significant risk for his music career. Little did he anticipate that this decision would propel him into a prominent role within a movement aimed at aiding others in breaking free from their technology addictions. As the current executive director of Humanality, Laubacher joined forces with the married couple Hope and Justin Schneir to establish a movement dedicated to endorsing deliberate relationships with technology.
The Humanality movement, firmly grounded in the Catholic faith, seeks to confront the burgeoning mental health crisis and prevalent addiction to technology within the United States. With the escalation of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and widespread access to pornography, Humanality endeavors to counteract the adverse effects of technology by promoting human interaction and what they term ‘human flourishing.’
The movement has gained momentum and created clubs on various Catholic college campuses, offering resources and support for individuals seeking liberation from their technological dependencies. These clubs advocate for various levels of commitment, from completely relinquishing cellphones to utilizing less-accessible devices, and provide a sense of community and accountability.
In addition to concentrating on college students, Humanality is extending its outreach to high schools and K–8 schools, recognizing the significance of instilling healthy tech habits within the upcoming generation. They also plan to introduce “Family Chapters” in 2024, designed to assist families in navigating a lifestyle that is lighter on technology together.
What sets Humanality apart is its emphasis on establishing new rituals and liturgies to supplant the all-consuming nature of technology. Laubacher envisions making more judicious and deliberate use of time, acknowledging that although technology is an integral part of our daily lives, it should not dictate how we allocate our time.
While Humanality’s approach is rooted in Catholic anthropology, it is not exclusive to religious individuals. It seeks to offer a pathway towards a more balanced and intentional use of technology, recognizing the importance of human interaction and the necessity of addressing the detrimental impact of excessive screen time on mental and spiritual well-being.
As society grapples with the challenges presented by incessant connectivity, the Humanality movement presents a revitalizing perspective on reassessing our relationship with technology and reclaiming the true essence of flourishing as human beings.
The Humanality movement serves as a timely response to the urgent issues of technology addiction and mental health, serving as a beacon of hope for those in pursuit of a more meaningful and deliberate way of living in the digital age.