Society Without People? Scholars Behind New Book on AI and the Metaverse Headline Baylor Libraries Author Series

Dr. Christopher Pieper and Dr. Justin Nelson will present at Baylor University during a Baylor Libraries Author Series session on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Noon CST in the Schumacher Flex Commons of Moody Memorial Library and virtually via Zoom Webinar. The conversation will be over their book, “Society Without People: The Social Implications of the Metaverse and AI” (De Gruyter, 2025), and will be moderated by Dr. Elisabeth Rain Kincaid, Associate Professor of Ethics, Faith and Culture, and Director of the Institute of Faith and Learning.

Dr. Pieper is a Baylor Senior Lecturer of Sociology. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on forms and uses of power, social theory, religion, and technology/media. He regularly works alongside graduate and advanced undergraduate students in research. Dr. Nelson is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Campbell University. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Baylor University. His research focuses on media technology, rural communities, family, education, and religion.

Their book, “Society Without People: The Social Implications of the Metaverse and AI,” presents scenarios that examine potential ways these technologies will shape identity, institutions, relationships, communities, power, and personhood.

Throughout the book, the authors weave the question: “How can humans flourish in the midst of such rapid and deep changes?” They introduce the theory of Gamism, which holds that the ideology of gaming is becoming the same as real-world institutions. Analyzing these rapid changes, they sort them into four categories—utopian, dystopian, balanced, and wildcard—to show that these tools can either support human flourishing or quietly erode it.

“Anyone interested in the relationship between society and technology will get a lot out of this conversation. While grounded in social science, the book is written in an accessible, engaging style intended for all readers, not just academics,” Pieper said.

This event is free and open to the public. The conversation is followed by a question-and-answer session, light refreshments, and a book signing.

The Baylor Libraries Author Series features books by Baylor-affiliated authors and selected by the Dean of the Baylor Libraries, Museums, and the Press. Works selected for the series are by single or multiple authors who make substantial contributions to the academic conversation at Baylor.

For more information and a registration link for the Zoom Webinar is available at library.web.baylor.edu/authorseries.