Kristof is a passionate advocate of social issues and new technologies, and has recently launched a social game in partnership with Games for Change that can be played on Facebook to raise awareness and aid for global crises.

Similar to FarmVille, Half The Sky Movement will enable players to make micro-donations to humanitarian efforts worldwide as well as contribute to causes in other ways. Continue reading

When installed, the widget, with fixed dimensions, opens a small window with four tabs. Clicking on one provides the latest news from the Vatican, the Pope's angelus or Regina Coeli address, recent speeches and the Vatican press office's daily news bulletin. Continue reading

With regard to churches, Beck reads the data as suggesting that Facebook and other social media are replacing what he believes is the "main draw of the traditional church: social connection and affiliation."

Beck is certainly right that church is no longer a central gathering place for the majority of believers and seekers. And, it seems, too, that Facebook has taken up much of the chat about "football,… good schools,… local politics," and other matters that Beck sees as the "main draw" of routine ecclesial practice in days gone by. Yet the sneak peek Beck offers of his own research appears to undermine the argument.

Read ELIZABETH DRESCHER Facebook Doesn't Kill Churches, Churches Kill Churches