Here is an informative overview based on research from 2017:
Public and out-of-court confessions can make legal procedures redundant, operating at the margins of law as a form of performance or information warfare. Confession (2017)
Studies of Facebook "Confessions" pages from this era indicate they are used for academic help-seeking and peer support, going beyond just social gossip. Here is an informative overview based on research
2017 analysis of Augustine of Hippo's Confessions (397–398 AD) frames the work as an act of humility, where he confesses sins to God to reconcile his imperfections, not just for theological reasons but likely also as self-justification against critics following his rapid rise in the church. According to Church tradition (often discussed in 2017):
According to Church tradition (often discussed in 2017): Contrition: Remorse for sins. Confession: Verbal admission of sins. Absolution: The forgiveness of sins. Satisfaction (Penance): Acts to make amends.
Academic discussion in 2017 suggested a need for a "radical correction" in charismatic, sin-centered piety to balance it with grace, while still acknowledging the need for confession.