By Mr Mario Borges

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, the campus of Resurrection Church in Virar East hosted a highly relevant and eye-opening educational talk addressing one of the most defining technologies of our era. Conducted by Fr Joaquim Fernandes, the session focused on "How AI Can Affect Us in Our Day-to-Day Life." Far from a dry, academic lecture, the programme was a highly interactive session that saw enthusiastic participation from parishioners of all ages, eager to understand the invisible forces shaping their modern daily routines.

 Fr Fernandes expertly demystified complex algorithms by breaking down ten specific "Types of Traps" that AI and modern software design deploy to capture our attention. Using relatable, real-life examples, he illustrated how daily habits are quietly rewired by technology.

 The discussion opened with structural traps like Infinite Scrolling, where platforms eliminate natural stopping points to keep users consuming content indefinitely. This is reinforced by The Red Colour Trap, a psychological trigger using vibrant notification badges to create an artificial sense of importance. Fr Fernandes also warned against Gamified Friendship, where human relationships are reduced to daily "streaks" and digital metrics, alongside The Anticipation Trap, which keeps the brain hooked on waiting for the next notification pop-up.

 Moving deeper into user perception, the seminar explored how AI distorts our view of the world. Fr Fernandes explained how Filtered Reality alters personal aesthetics and expectations, while a heavily Customised Feed isolates individuals inside echo chambers, showing them only what they already agree with. The psychology of digital validation was exposed through Likes and Follower Count, which turn social approval into a metric, and Artificial Urgency, which uses fake countdowns or "active now" indicators to compel immediate responses.

 Crucially, Fr Fernandes highlighted that the ultimate trap is often Simplicity - the frictionless ease with which we can order, watch, or browse, which gradually erodes our patience. All these elements culminate in The Buzz! - that phantom vibration or constant urge to check our phones that disrupts family life and personal reflection.

 The interactive format allowed parishioners to share their own struggles with screen time, turning the training into a supportive community dialogue. By exposing these invisible digital architectures, Fr Fernandes did not advocate for abandoning technology, but rather championed digital literacy and mindful consumption. Parishioners left the church equipped with the awareness needed to reclaim their time, attention, and mental peace in an increasingly automated world.