The emergence of new communications technologies has had a rippling effect on the way we conduct our lives and relate to each other on a deeply personal level. Case in point: the megachurch, a relatively new style of worship, has made smart use of technology to convene and connect large groups of people, both physically and digitally. NYU Steinhardt’s Erica Robles-Anderson has long held a fascination on the 20th century transformation of Protestant worship space into these highly mediated, spectacular experiences, also the subject of her upcoming book. Drawing from her research, Professor Robles-Anderson discussed how media companies can find inspiration from these venerable institutions. This presentation was made at NYC Media Lab's Research Summit 2013 on September 19, 2013 at the Joseph Urban Theater at Hearst Tower. The Summit was a half-day deep dive into the Lab, featuring presentations and discussion on technologies and trends that are changing the industry. Corporate members also unveiled the results of NYC Media Lab's first round of seed research projects. Learn more about NYC Media Lab: www.nycmedialab.org Follow us on Twitter: @nycmedialab

1. Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication
New York University
erica.robles@nyu.edu
ERICA ROBLES-ANDERSON

2. Traditional
Cultural
Entrepreneurs
Erica Robles-Anderson / NYU

12. • How did distributed, mediated, networked life become
the social norm?
• How have traditional cultural institutions shaped our
migration into new technological regimes?
• How might a broad historical lens inform innovation?
Erica Robles-Anderson / NYU

13. LEARN MORE ABOUT
NYC MEDIA LAB:
www.nycmedialab.org
@nycmedialab