The Internet has helped fuel an increase in child porn and exploitation, the use of web sites by hate groups, and a general rise in pure noise and junk. It has also helped break the stranglehold on the news by a tiny, arrogant minority, been an invaluable source of information for learning and research, and a very useful form of worldwide communication.

For good or bad, my work depends upon the Internet. I suppose that the Internet has changed the world as much as the telephone or the printing press has.

As for the Church (meaning the earthly institution), that is problematic. I am unaware of any studies, but I would be surprised if using the Internet has made much of a difference to the Church. Older Christians tend to be less “tech savvy” (although you can always find exceptions), and younger people tend to be less involved with traditional churches (although, again, there are exceptions). Churches may be vibrant and growing, or dying out, but that has more to do with what the Church is preaching. Advertising may help bring them in, but if there is no spiritual nourishment many will eventually leave.