The starting point
A reminder or progress marker can help a person return to meditation. It can also turn practice into another obligation. Decide whether points and streaks make you more willing to participate or more anxious about doing the practice correctly.
What is hypothetical
This discussion of potential for commercialization of spirituality includes a design scenario from the manuscript. Read proposed capabilities conditionally. A real product would need evidence for its exact use, a clear account of errors and limitations, and meaningful control for the person using it. An engaging demonstration alone would not establish a health or learning benefit.
Potential for Commercialization of Spirituality
There is also a risk that gamified meditation could become overly commercialized. As companies compete to create the most engaging experiences, the focus may shift from genuine spiritual growth to profit-making. This could lead to a superficial approach to meditation, where the emphasis is on “winning” or “leveling up” rather than the deeper, reflective aspects of the practice.
Question: How can we keep the focus on genuine spiritual growth in an age where even meditation can be gamified and commercialized?
Be mindful of the motivations behind the apps and technologies you use. Choose platforms that prioritize well-being, authenticity, and community over profit.
A concrete way to think about it
Look at what earns rewards and what triggers an invitation to pay. If the system treats longer sessions, repeated checking, or purchases as evidence of spiritual progress, question that definition. You can choose a practice according to its meaning and fit without accepting the platform’s business goals as your own.
Sources & further reading
- NCCIH: Meditation and mindfulness—effectiveness and safetywww.nccih.nih.gov
- NIST: Generative artificial intelligence risk profilenvlpubs.nist.gov