Examining mental health and meditation apps: Evidence-based claims and data practices

Examining mental health and meditation apps:

What are mental health apps doing with your data? Academics have raised concerns about the data collection and use policies of some popular mental health apps.

From Melbourne University Contemplative Studies Centre and CHOICE Magazine, we learn about the activities behind meditation apps. Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam, Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre, and Professor Jeannie Paterson, Co-Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics, talk to Choice about the data collection and privacy practices of mental health and meditation apps, and raise concerns about the health benefit claims they make. Often these claims lack scientific evidence, leading to the suggestion that they be regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to ensure the accuracy of any claims about their effectiveness.

Read more

Being spiritual in Australia: Complexity, contemplation and controversy

University of MelbourneThe Contemplative Studies Centre of Melbourne University presents Dr. Anna Halafoff – a well known researcher of spirituality, religion and interfaith matters – who will address Being spiritual in Australia: Complexity, contemplation and controversy. This session is offered online, on June 8, 12:00pm – 1:00pm. This webinar is free.

Read more

Tasmania – April 2022

Tasmania Logo

We have entered the holy month of April in 2022 when all major faiths have special festivals as you will see below.

The month has come at a time of extraordinary conflict in the world and gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on what peace means to us personally and in our faith traditions. This time is a blessed opportunity to make peace firstly within ourselves and then with all others as our faiths encourage us to do. If not us, as they say, then who?

Palm Sunday is also a time when refugees are remembered. The Melbourne Anglican community are going to make their Palm Sunday procession a reminder of the fate of refugees who have sought and are seeking asylum in Australia. But the support for this cause in Hobart is no less.

Read more

Mindfulness & the creative process

Mindfulness & the creative processThe Contemplative Studies Centre at Melbourne University produces many online events examining meditation, the fruits of different kinds of meditation and the spin-offs from meditation and practising mindfulness. Here, the Contemplative Studies Centre presents Mindfulness and the Creative process. There is a related Art exhibition.

Read more

The Old New: contemplating Country today

University of MelbourneThe Contemplative Studies Centre (University of Melbourne) fuses contemplative wisdom, innovative research, lifelong education, authentic dialogue and practice in the pursuit of knowledge to allow us, our society, and our world to flourish. The Centre presents The Old New: contemplating Country today on Wednesday 17 November 2021.

Read more

Finding Solace in Solitude: Meditation for Lockdown

Finding Solace in Solitude: Meditation for LockdownAre you struggling with Victoria’s 4th lockdown or just want more emotional balance in your life? Join us to learn how Buddhist meditation might help.In response to Victoria’s 4th lockdown, The Contemplative Studies Centre welcomes the community and all interested parties to join Dr Nicholas Van Dam in conversation with Venerable Ajahn Brahmali.

Read more