How technology shapes the way we interact, think, and perceive reality with Dr. Felicia Wu Song
Jan 16, 2024
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Dr. Felicia Wu Song, a sociologist, and Joey discuss the impact of technology on modern life, including generational differences, constant availability pressures, and habitual phone-checking behaviors. They address how technology provides a perceived sense of control and hinders presence. Felicia offers advice on building resilience against tech impacts, especially for parents shaping healthier tech trajectories for kids.
Exploring generational differences in technology usage and empathizing with younger generations' experiences can help understand the impact of technological changes on society.
Practicing small acts of resistance against technology, such as mindfulness exercises and creating sacred spaces free from digital distractions, can promote a more intentional and present way of living.
Deep dives
Cultivating a Love for Beauty and Goodness in Children
Encouraging children to cultivate loves for music, outdoor activities, and beneficial interactions with others lays down a foundation for appreciating the beauty in the world. Introducing children to meaningful activities and community engagements can help shape their values and sense of personhood, making them less likely to lose themselves in the digital age.
Starting Small with Sacred Times and Places
Initiating change by starting with small practices like dedicating 15 minutes at the beginning or end of the day to mindfulness or grounding activities can gradually lessen dependence on technology. Creating sacred spaces free from digital distractions and committing to these moments can provide a taste of a more intentional and present way of living.
Embracing Discomfort and Anxiety as Healthy Signals
Recognizing anxiety as a healthy response that signals what matters to us can shift our perspective on discomfort. Instead of avoiding anxious feelings, facing them head-on and embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth and introspection, allowing us to develop resilience and adaptability.
Encouraging Meaningful Resistances in Daily Life
Promoting small acts of resistance by engaging in practices like digital detoxes, setting time boundaries for technology use, or exploring mindfulness exercises can help reshape habits and behaviors surrounding technology. By experimenting with different resistance strategies and finding what works best, individuals can reclaim control over their attention and well-being.
This week on The Aro Podcast, Joey is joined by Dr. Felicia Wu Song, a sociologist who studies the impact of technology on modern life. Felicia challenges the idea of what's "natural" about technology, sparking a conversation with Joey about whether resisting technological changes is worth it. They dive into the generational differences in today's world and the necessity of empathizing with the experiences of younger generations. Felicia even paints a nostalgic picture of life before cellphones, that our kids haven't gotten to experience. The discussion extends to the pressures of constant availability in the digital age and the subtle ways habitual phone-checking shapes our behavior. Felicia shares insights on how technology provides us with a perceived sense of control and hinders our ability to just be present. The episode wraps up with Felicia offering advice on building resilience against the negative impacts of technology, especially for parents looking to shape a healthier tech trajectory for their kids.