Marketplace Tech
Having a child in a digital economy
May 19, 2025
Amanda Hess, a journalist and internet culture writer for the New York Times, shares her insights on motherhood in a digital world. She reveals how technology influences pregnancy, starting with period-tracking apps like Flo Health. Hess discusses the emotional rollercoaster of facing unexpected medical challenges while navigating digital tools. She highlights the contrast between clinical data and real-life parenting experiences, while also addressing critical concerns about data privacy in fertility apps. Her experiences offer a candid look at parenthood in the age of technology.
12:15
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Quick takeaways
- Pregnancy apps like Flo Health initially empower expectant parents with tracking data, but can also highlight the limitations of technology in personal health situations.
- Hess emphasizes the emotional challenges of seeking online information during pregnancy, urging future parents to prioritize genuine connections over overwhelming digital inputs.
Deep dives
The Impact of Technology on Pregnancy
Pregnancy apps, such as Flow, greatly influence the experiences of expectant parents by tracking fertility and providing information. Journalist Amanda Hess shared how the app initially empowered her with data about her cycle, ultimately affecting her perception of pregnancy norms. However, as her pregnancy took a concerning turn due to potential complications, she realized the app's limitations, as it primarily focused on expected timelines rather than her unique situation. This experience underscored the contrast between the perceived security that technology offers and the reality of individual health challenges.
