Life Kit Hidden ways technology can influence your parenting decisions
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Jul 29, 2025 
Amanda Hess, a critic at large for the New York Times and author of *Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age*, dives into the complex relationship between technology and parenting. She discusses the overwhelming influence of pregnancy apps and smart baby monitors, and how these tools can both help and hinder parent-child connections. Hess highlights the importance of mindful tech use, encouraging parents to critically assess online information while maintaining authentic relationships with their children.
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Instant Online Pregnancy Disclosure
- Amanda Hess immediately turned to the internet when she found out she was pregnant, searching for guidance before telling anyone else.
- Her pregnancy data quickly gained market value, with data brokers charging to sell info on pregnant consumers.
Pregnancy Apps Shape Perception
- Pregnancy apps create an idealized and restrictive image of pregnancy that shapes perception more than behavior.
- These apps foster a sense of outside authority monitoring your pregnancy, influencing how you view your body.
Ultrasound Shifted Reality
- Amanda's ultrasound revealed her son sticking out his tongue, an unusual sign that led to a diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
- This moment shattered her perception of idealized pregnancy images and her connection to pregnancy apps.