MIT Technology Review

Weekend Reads How the next generation is using technology to mask, reveal, and form identity 1.04.19

Good morning, Weekend readers. Welcome to the new year!  The first generation to live in a fully connected, online world is coming of age. And their sense of self is being shaped by social media popularity contests, YouTube idols, video games, and a false sense of anonymity online. Here, we examine the perils and promise in their future. Keynes was wrong. Gen Z will have it worse. Instead of never-ending progress, today’s kids face a world on the edge of collapse. What next? I asked my students to turn in their cell phones and write about living without them Here’s what they had to say. How classroom technology is holding students back Educators love digital devices, but there’s little evidence they help children—especially those who most need help. Looking to deploy AI now? Get practical, technical and ethical guidance at EmTech Digital as we examine amazing advances in AI and explore the most pressing AI adoption issues of today. Purchase your ticket today. Meet the wannabe kidfluencers struggling for stardom Millions of viewers flock to watch the biggest names on YouTube. But not everyone can be an online video hit. We asked teenagers what adults are missing about technology. This was the best response. Social media allows young people to explore how they express themselves, says Taylor Fang of Logan, Utah, the winner of our youth essay contest. Teens are all obsessed with social media? Not so much. Meet the young people who stay offline and hear why they’re doing it. Why an internet that never forgets is especially bad for young people As past identities become stickier for those entering adulthood, it’s not just individuals who will suffer. Society will too. Does keeping kids offline breach their human rights? Children are making the case for a smarter, safer approach to technology—but they need adults to make it happen. We love to hear from you! Send feedback and ideas to weekendreads@technologyreview.com. Was this newsletter forwarded to you, and you’d like to see more? Sign up for free Get unlimited access to online stories. Subscribe to MIT Technology Review today.

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