In early 2026, we’re experiencing a surge in membership to religious institutions—especially the Catholic Church. Why are people, all of a sudden, turning to religion? Why now?

I have a hunch.

In newsletter ​#001: Lab Rats in Modern Society​, I discussed how the idea that the powers that be have your back, have your best interests at heart, is sadly not our reality.

Further to this point, in newsletter ​#012: Do Tech Companies Prioritize Engagement Over Mental Health,​  I raised the concerning idea that tech companies were putting profits before kids’ mental health.

Just last week, the verdict came down in the trial against Meta and YouTube that these platforms caused mental harm.

So, my hunch is that people are turning to religion for a north star—a compass to help them stay on a path of living morally, according to their values.

Zuckerberg, and many tech leaders, have argued that curating apps for safety or appropriateness would be “paternalistic.” He framed this as a fault.

Now some people are moving toward the ultimate patriarch: the Pope.

Religion Isn’t How Everyone Solves This Need

What the research shows:

Many non-religious people still have a clear moral framework

From Pew Research Center:

• 83% say avoiding harm to others is central to their moral decisions
• 82% say logic and reason guide what’s right vs. wrong
• 69% say doing the right thing feels internally rewarding
• Only 12% rely heavily on religion

So whether you look inward for guidance from an internal compass, or outward toward religion or organized schools of thought, having a north star in uncertain times matters.

Which Values and Character Strengths Are Most Important to You?

Across cultures and belief systems, people tend to converge on a similar set of values: don’t harm others, be fair, be honest, take responsibility, care for people.

Martin Seligman, originator of Positive Psychology, and team came up with these 24 character strengths as being central to our culture:

➡️ Hit reply and let me know the top 3 character strengths that most resonate with you, and why.

Dinner Conversation Starters

Let’s bring this discussion to the dinner table. Try asking this tonight:

What does “do the right thing” mean to you? What does “do no harm” mean to you?

These conversations can be grounding—though if your politics are vastly different, they can get heated quickly. Know your audience.

Family Traditions

As you celebrate your traditions this week—whether Easter, Passover, or another tradition—relish the sense of safety and belonging that can come from gathering in community.

Turning toward relationships in times of uncertainty is a solid strategy.

Take it Deeper

If you’re curious to explore these ideas in more depth, check out the Well-Being Checkup, a simple way to take stock of where you are right now—across stress, focus, connection, and life satisfaction.

​Take the Well-Being Checkup →​