Why isn't it good for us to be subjecting ourselves to the constant realtime stream of lightly fact-checked "news," talking heads, and the social drama of school or work? Not so much because of findings like those reported this week in The Telegraph, after all media (including radio and TV, not just Facebook and cellphones) were taken away from volunteers for 24 hours – findings that are … [Read more...] about Thoughts for a new year (in the digital age)
Social Media
Today’s engine of innovation: Videogames, not military
Remember the military-industrial complex? Now it's the entertainment-industrial complex. For centuries the military drove tech innovation; now videogaming does, according to a Wall Street Journal commentary by author and former hedge-fund manager Andy Kessler. "That's right – every time someone fires up a videogame like Call of Duty or World of Warcraft, the state of the art in technology … [Read more...] about Today’s engine of innovation: Videogames, not military
Ally Pfeiffer’s ordeal … and ingenuity
Two things struck me about University of Hartford student Allison Pfeiffer's cyberbullying story: First, there was the smart parting advice she left with the Today Show's viewers last week after being interviewed about the cruel fake profile two fellow students created about her in Facebook: "Don't fight with the bully, fight for yourself." The second thing is how intelligently she went about … [Read more...] about Ally Pfeiffer’s ordeal … and ingenuity
Parents’ own cyberbullying struggles
The parents of kids targeted by digital bullying and harassment often face some serious challenges of their own, as they work toward ending a child's ordeal. That's a key take-away from New York Times reporter Jan Hoffman's thoughtful front-page story on cyberbullying yesterday. Often their children, even when enduring a lot of emotional pain, don't want them to get involved (fearing a parent only … [Read more...] about Parents’ own cyberbullying struggles
About that NYT piece (‘Growing Up Digital’)…
The headline's same-old-same-old, but the article's really worth reading: "Growing Up digital, Wired for Distraction" in the New York Times. Don't miss it. Here's why: 1. What conclusions are we drawing? Writer Matt Richtel found an amazing student, principal, and school to feature (Vishal Singh, Mr. Reilly, and Woodside High School in northern California). Try reading Vishal's story at the … [Read more...] about About that NYT piece (‘Growing Up Digital’)…