“Monster Hunter Wilds” has teens battling beasts, the new iPhone is a lot like the old iPhone, and a docuseries on Gabby Petito’s death highlights the differences between social media and reality. To hear Evan make fun of the new iPhone, be sure to check out our Culture Translator Roundtable podcast! But first:
Slang of the Week: “Huzz”
The word “huzz” is a play on the word “h*es.” (You might be asking, dear reader, “Didn’t we just talk about ‘bop,’ another pejorative term about women?” You would be correct. Apparently, one such term is not enough for the modern slangscape.) Like the term “h*es,” huzz can be used for derision, but it also is often used in a familiar way between friends (see also: “bruzz,” a mash-up of bros and huzz). Does that mean the word is entirely wholesome and edifying? Not necessarily, but context matters a lot for the intention and impact of the word.
And now for our three conversations…
1. Battling Monsters
What it is: Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest iteration in the popular video game series Monster Hunter, comes out today.
Why it’s a big release: At its core, Monster Hunter is pretty simple. You hunt monsters and then use the spoils of your hunt to make new armor and weapons to hunt bigger and badder monsters. It’s an engaging form of progression where you’re always on the cusp of unlocking some new and exciting upgrade. Wilds is rated T for Teen (PEGI 16 if you’re in Europe) for “blood, crude humor, and violence,” and can be played solo or with up to three friends. While fighting cool monsters is the biggest draw of the series, Monster Hunter is also known for its colorful worlds, complex ecosystems, and cute cat-like companions, called Palicoes.
Continue the conversation: What upcoming games are you looking forward to?
Continue the conversation: What upcoming games are you looking forward to?
2. History Repeating
What it is: Apple’s iPhone 16e releases today—and it will be the most affordable member of the iPhone 16 family.
Why it’s the same thing again: The iPhone’s legacy, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook, is that, “It makes it faster and easier to get things done, keeps us entertained, and helps us stay connected.” So what’s new with the iPhone 16e? Well, it comes with iOS 18, which—and this was a big shift for Apple—will “keep you connected, productive, and entertained.” In addition, the iPhone 16e works with Apple Intelligence, which is designed to help you “save time,” “quickly get more things done,” and “more efficiently outsource your humanity.” (Just kidding, they didn’t say that last part.) The battery life is longer, the camera is a little better, and the cheapest option starts at $599. In completely unrelated news, some families are reinstalling landlines.
Continue the conversation: Do you think smartphones will ever go out of style? Why or why not?
3. Hidden in Plain Sight
What it is: Netflix’s new docuseries American Murder: Gabby Petito sparked controversy this week for its use of AI to recreate Petito’s voice.
Why it’s important: The Petito family initially signed off on the use of AI in the docuseries, but later admitted it felt “weird” and “off,” echoing the discomfort many viewers expressed. Some viewers felt an immediate “ick” from the AI-generated voice, not only because it sounded strange, but because it blurred ethical boundaries. This controversy hasn’t kept the series from climbing the charts—currently it ranks #2 on Netflix. Still, the unsettling choice highlights how technology can shift from innovative to invasive, especially when dealing with real-life tragedy. It also raises bigger questions about consent, respect for the deceased, and whether there are some lines technology simply shouldn’t cross.
Let’s translate this one further…
The use of AI to recreate Gabby Petito’s voice is ironic, given the way her entire story is about the difference between perception and reality.
While Gabby’s social media portrayed a sunny, carefree, #vanlife journey, the reality behind her posts was marked by manipulation, control, and domestic violence. The Netflix series reveals how sometimes, underneath a carefully orchestrated public persona, is a person who needs help. In some cases, an innocent life may even depend on our ability to see beneath the surface. As Jesus himself said in John 7:24: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
Social media often offers only a curated glimpse into someone’s life, but Jesus urges us to see deeper—to discern truth with wisdom and compassion. Petito’s story challenges us not to settle for shallow perceptions but to approach the lives of others with a heart that seeks understanding.
For more context and nuance, check out our Roundtable podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, check out our video on True Crime. In the meantime, here are three questions to spark conversation with your teens:
- How often do you wonder what might be happening behind the scenes of picture-perfect social media posts?
- How do you feel about AI being used to recreate a dead person’s voice?
- What might be some warning signs that a person your age needs help?
PS: Know someone who could use our conversation starters with their teens? Share the CT with a friend!