Offline with Jon Favreau Momfluencers, Baby Gadgets, and the Perils of Parenting in The Digital Age
24 snips
Jun 5, 2025 
Amanda Hess, a longtime New York Times internet culture critic and author of 'Second Life', dives into the complexities of parenting in a tech-saturated world. She questions the need for surveillance tools and fancy gadgets in managing children’s lives. Tackling the influence of momfluencers, she discusses how technology can redefine childhood experiences. Hess offers insights on the emotional toll of raising kids in a digital age and advocates for prioritizing community over online advice in parenting.
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Data-Driven Parenting Obsession
- Technology turns parenting into data-driven optimization with constant monitoring like sleep tracking.
- This creates a deranged situation where parents celebrate metrics their children can't comprehend.
Googleing Fear Amid Diagnosis
- Amanda Hess experienced intense fear and isolation after prenatal diagnosis of her son's rare disorder.
- She furiously Googled to gain informational control, despite advice not to search online.
Medical System Conflicts for Parents
- Medical system monetization complicates parental decisions and trust in care.
- Genetic counselors may face conflicting incentives impacting test recommendations.
