Loved this. Kids on phones is today’s moral panic, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look closely at the effects. My son often asks me what I’m doing on my phone (reading, and I’ll show him the wall of text or read an excerpt to him), but he also sees me read physical books and newspapers. He probably categorizes these two kinds of “reading” differently, but I can’t be sure. Maybe both are still modeling literacy.
Thanks for commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
I need to read Haidt’s book to understand his point of view on today’s adults (us).
But, I always look at the adult side as an opportunity cost problem. Suppose my phone usage doesn’t affect my kids propensity to use phones. And, also suppose that I’m not mentally impaired from my own usage.
At the end of the day, we still aren’t conversing with each other if I’m buried in my phone. That and its benefits is what is lost.
I feel this way about TV too. Chill time is critical, yes. But, time in front of the TV is also time lost (for everyone) to do something more engaging.
And, then, if you’re next to him reading a newspaper, that’s also not engaging with him. I’m not criticizing.
Point is: Haidt’s work discusses (I think) the phone time effects from the primary user problem (kid using phone). But what about the parents that also aren’t paying much attention? Aren’t they part of the problem?
Guilty as charged. Problem I think about a lot (too much?).
What fiction are you reading??! Reading will always be my great love. The crazy thing is there is so much variety and wonderful childrens and young adult literature now vs when we were young. I think reading has probably increased in certain young populations and almost halted completely in others. Would be interested in those numbers.
What's your prediction on who's reading vs. not? I'll see what I can find to support the conversation.
As for fiction on my list, I have one book and one author at the top of my list:
- Winds of War by Herman Wouk
- Chuck Klosterman's fiction
The first was suggested by my wife. She actually bought me the paperback. It's actually kind of exciting to have the physical book. I've read many of Chuck Klosterman's non-fiction books and really enjoy his writing. I assume his fiction is similarly engaging?
Loved this. Kids on phones is today’s moral panic, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look closely at the effects. My son often asks me what I’m doing on my phone (reading, and I’ll show him the wall of text or read an excerpt to him), but he also sees me read physical books and newspapers. He probably categorizes these two kinds of “reading” differently, but I can’t be sure. Maybe both are still modeling literacy.
Thanks for commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed this one.
I need to read Haidt’s book to understand his point of view on today’s adults (us).
But, I always look at the adult side as an opportunity cost problem. Suppose my phone usage doesn’t affect my kids propensity to use phones. And, also suppose that I’m not mentally impaired from my own usage.
At the end of the day, we still aren’t conversing with each other if I’m buried in my phone. That and its benefits is what is lost.
I feel this way about TV too. Chill time is critical, yes. But, time in front of the TV is also time lost (for everyone) to do something more engaging.
And, then, if you’re next to him reading a newspaper, that’s also not engaging with him. I’m not criticizing.
Point is: Haidt’s work discusses (I think) the phone time effects from the primary user problem (kid using phone). But what about the parents that also aren’t paying much attention? Aren’t they part of the problem?
Guilty as charged. Problem I think about a lot (too much?).
Oh yeah no debate here. I’m equally unavailable behind a newspaper! Look forward to learning more.
What fiction are you reading??! Reading will always be my great love. The crazy thing is there is so much variety and wonderful childrens and young adult literature now vs when we were young. I think reading has probably increased in certain young populations and almost halted completely in others. Would be interested in those numbers.
First, thank you for commenting!
What's your prediction on who's reading vs. not? I'll see what I can find to support the conversation.
As for fiction on my list, I have one book and one author at the top of my list:
- Winds of War by Herman Wouk
- Chuck Klosterman's fiction
The first was suggested by my wife. She actually bought me the paperback. It's actually kind of exciting to have the physical book. I've read many of Chuck Klosterman's non-fiction books and really enjoy his writing. I assume his fiction is similarly engaging?