What Next | Daily News and Analysis
TBD | Online and Pregnant
May 11, 2025
Amanda Hess, a critic at The New York Times and author of 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age,' delves into the complexities of pregnancy in the digital era. She shares her personal experiences with anxiety, isolation, and the overwhelming amount of contradictory online advice. The conversation highlights how technology influences personal health milestones, including the emotional nuances of using apps designed primarily by men. Hess also addresses the impact of eugenics on prenatal testing and advocates for a more inclusive approach to maternal healthcare.
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Quick takeaways
- Amanda Hess illustrates how pregnancy apps serve as both informational tools and emotional companions, reshaping the deeply personal nature of motherhood.
- The podcast raises ethical concerns about parents sharing their children's medical narratives online, balancing visibility with the child's autonomy and privacy.
Deep dives
The Role of Technology in Pregnancy
Technology significantly shapes the experience of pregnancy, as illustrated by Amanda Hess's reliance on various apps to navigate this intimate journey. Initially using an app to track her menstrual cycle, Hess became deeply engaged with it during her pregnancy, seeking reassurance and guidance amid the uncertainty. This reliance highlighted a fundamental shift, where technology provided not only information but also companionship, reinforcing a sense of constant monitoring of her wellbeing. The emotional connection to these digital tools reflects a broader trend, questioning how the digital age alters the experience of something traditionally intimate and personal.
