Marketplace All-in-One
Having a child in a digital economy
May 19, 2025
Amanda Hess, a New York Times journalist and author of 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age,' shares her surprising journey into pregnancy. She examines how technology, from pregnancy apps to social media, impacts parental experiences and emotional well-being. Hess sheds light on the challenges of navigating a potentially serious diagnosis while dealing with the overwhelming nature of online information. She also raises crucial questions about data privacy and the importance of meaningful human connections in parenting.
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Quick takeaways
- Expectant parents often experience a complicated relationship with technology, shifting from helpful tools to sources of anxiety during pregnancy complications.
- Parenthood in the digital age encourages individuals to move beyond unrealistic online ideals, emphasizing the importance of genuine engagement with their unique children.
Deep dives
The Impact of Technology on Pregnancy
The use of technology during pregnancy can significantly shape the experience for expectant parents. For instance, the period tracking app Flow facilitates conception by predicting fertile windows, which can create an evolving relationship with the app as it transitions into pregnancy mode. This shift often transforms the app from a helpful tool into a directive force, emphasizing the expectations and norms surrounding 'normal' pregnancies. However, when complications arise, such as a potential genetic disorder, the limitations of such apps become apparent, revealing the disconnect between the app's generic recommendations and the unique realities of an individual's pregnancy.
