As artificial intelligence continues to reshape education and public conversation, Montreat College Professor of Communication Dr. Joseph F. Martin has contributed to the national discussion with a newly published essay in Catholic World Report.
In “To Live, AI in L.A.,” Martin blends travel writing, cultural observation, and an extended conversation with ChatGPT during a recent visit to Southern California. Through reflections on architecture, faith, popular culture, and communication, the essay explores how artificial intelligence is changing the ways people observe, interpret, and engage with the world around them. Drawing upon the principles of media ecology, Martin argues that communication often begins long before words are spoken, concluding, “Most messages arrive before the explanation.”
The publication comes as Martin begins his tenth year on the Montreat College faculty and prepares to teach Media Ecology, a new Adult and Graduate Studies communication course that will be offered for the first time this fall. The course examines how communication technologies—from speech and print to social media and artificial intelligence—shape culture, learning, and Christian discipleship.
Catholic World Report is the online magazine of Ignatius Press and a leading publication for religious commentary and cultural analysis. Martin’s relationship with CWR began through his doctoral research on the communication achievements of renowned Catholic publisher Frank J. Sheed, co-founder of Sheed & Ward. That research developed into an ongoing relationship with the publication, where he continues to write on communication, media, faith, and culture.
Read the full essay: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2026/08/02/to-live-ai-in-l-a/