Over the weekend, Brisbane’s Church of Scientology became the latest target of a viral trend that began in the United States just a few months ago — the Scientology speed run.

  • arbilp3@aussie.zone
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    3 days ago

    What concerns me is that kids are perhaps seeing the cyber world and physical world kind of melding into each other. If they are gaming the physical one without understanding the consequences for themselves it shows they could be more easily sucked into AI-control and being compliant while thinking they’re being adventurous.

      • eureka@aussie.zone
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        3 days ago

        This reminds me: I’ve heard that Mormons are notoriously common CIA recruits. The religion gives them US religious values, loyalty, they’re (theoretically) less likely to engage in compromising activities, and those who do mission work often know a foreign language and culture.

  • NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone
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    3 days ago

    Bond University associate professor of creative media James Birt told ABC Radio the term “speed running” came from video games.

    All those years in academia finally pay off as he’s able to tell a journalist something they could have found out on the web in ten seconds.

    • Zagorath@quokk.auOP
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      3 days ago

      Seriously. Next time, ABC, just send me a quick DM. I’ve got your back.

    • finallymadeanaccount@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      Journalists don’t research in 2026. They either copy/paste what their editors tell them to, or get AI to write their articles.

      I exaggerate. There are many fine investigative journalists out there who deserve more recognition that they get. No I won’t list them.

      But you can! Who are some of your favourite serious journalists?

  • hzl@piefed.blahaj.zone
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    3 days ago

    Aww, poor babies. Can’t even manipulate people into giving you all their money and as many personal details as possible so you can control their lives via blackmail anymore without being made into a public spectacle!

    What’s next? No more strapping cult members to beds and starving them to death? No more trapping them on cruise ships in international waters as an unpaid work force?

  • Donno47@aussie.zone
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    3 days ago

    Probably seemed like a good idea at the time. But perhaps not; the “Church” of Scientology has the same protection [and tax free status] of any other church.

    That a great many people see Scientology as a ruthless cult which exploits its members matters not at all.

    Dialed down just a bit, it seems to me “many people” simply do not see Scientology as a religion/church in the same way as say Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism or even Mormonism… Consequently, many people don’t revere or respect their spaces. They seem to think that gives them the right to raid/ trespass upon of those spaces. ==it doesn’t. Those fools may find themselves in court. Apparently haven’t yet learned to think abstractly or to understand that many acts can have serious consequences.