The podcast discusses how algorithms are being used as weapons to hack at social and political ties. Guest speaker Renee DiResta from Stanford Internet Observatory sheds light on the misuse of technology in current information technologies. The episode explores the potential peace we can find amidst this warfare.
Algorithms are weaponized to manipulate social and political ties.
Technology enables new forms of information warfare and societal disruption.
Deep dives
Effects of Screen Time on Children's Health and Development
Screen time, which has evolved significantly from traditional TV viewing to interactive media through smartphones and other devices, can impact children's health and well-being. Studies show that excessive screen time can be linked to obesity, mood disturbances, sleep quality issues, and potentially affect academic performance. The variability in effects depends on how the screen time is utilized, making it a mixed bag of benefits and drawbacks.
Pandemic's Acceleration of Children's Technology Exposure
The pandemic accelerated the reliance on technology for children as face-to-face interactions were limited, shifting connections and activities to digital platforms. Media consumption and device use, already prominent pre-pandemic, surged during the pandemic, raising concerns about the impact on children's development and behavior. Rapid adaptations to increased screen time and multitasking challenges highlight the need for ongoing research to assess the long-term effects.
Balancing Screen Time and Physical Interaction for Children
The concept of finding a healthy balance between screen time and physical activity is emphasized to ensure children's overall well-being and growth. Being 'digital natives,' children adapt quickly to technology, prompting the need for a balanced approach where device use complements physical activities and face-to-face interactions. Advocating for guidelines that encourage a mix of activities, including personal interactions and quality screen time, helps in nurturing healthy habits and development among children.
On Sundays, we revisit some of our favourite episodes. If you're new to the show, we hope you enjoy hearing these for the first time, and if you've been with us a while, enjoy this trip down memory lane!
When you were a child, did you have limits on the amount of TV you could watch? Or video or computer games you could play? Too much of that stuff "would rot your brain", right? It was universally accepted that too much screen time would hinder kids development.
But is that still true in a world where children spent more than a year working, playing and learning online? In a world where my child will fall behind if she doesn't learn how to use a touchscreen? In a world where much of the rest of their lives will be spent online, how connected should children be?
GUEST: Dr. Nusheen Ameenuddin, chair of The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Communications and Media, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Mayo Clinic.
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