Helland’s research examines the role of digital media in relation to issues of religious authority and power, religious information seeking behavior, ritual practices, and even changing belief systems. His most current research project is investigating the effects of computer-mediated communications on diaspora religious groups. Helland has also done research on contemporary premillennial and apocalyptic movements and studied a variety of UFO based new religious groups. His research in this field examined the Raelian Movement, Ashtar Command, and George Van Tassel.