NYTimes: Parents ‘Forced’ to Upgrade Kids’ Social Technology
The New York Times has, quite possibly, the most ridiculous story about technology and its place in the teenage social hierarchy. The story essentially says that teenagers are increasingly putting pressure on their parents, who are caving into the wanton desires of their children, so that they can have the latest and coolest tech gadgets.
It is a vortex of contemporary social currents: teenagers’ longing outstrips their ability to satisfy it and collides with most parents’ hope to teach restraint and fiscal responsibility. The issue is not just pressing for the middle class. Teenagers of all economic groups are exposed to the same advertising and social pressures, and families rich and poor struggle with how and how much to provide.
I’m sitting here with my girlfriend, who is a tech-savvy (and Appalachian) as me, and running this story by her just to make sure that I’ve not lost my mind. Outside of the fact that I’m fairly convinced that parents in this country, on some level, have lost the ability to tell their children ‘no’, there is also the problem that these parents are teaching their children very important lessons about class status.
For other thoughts related to this subject, read our esteemed writer James Surowiecki’s piece in January about “Technology and Happiness”.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
DeepMind’s cofounder: Generative AI is just a phase. What’s next is interactive AI.
“This is a profound moment in the history of technology,” says Mustafa Suleyman.
What to know about this autumn’s covid vaccines
New variants will pose a challenge, but early signs suggest the shots will still boost antibody responses.
Human-plus-AI solutions mitigate security threats
With the right human oversight, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can help keep business and customer data secure
Next slide, please: A brief history of the corporate presentation
From million-dollar slide shows to Steve Jobs’s introduction of the iPhone, a bit of show business never hurt plain old business.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.