The Human Response to New Technology

With the support of Yahoo! and Verizon, FOSI screened "The Adaptable Mind" and "ParenTechnology" in San Francisco on September 14th. The films were followed by a conversation between Stephen Balkam, FOSI, and the filmmaker Tiffany Shlain. "The Adaptable Mind" explored the skills needed to excel in the 21st Century, and the subsequent discussion covered a broad range of topics including artificial intelligence, STEM, machine learning, and the impact of technology on empathy. The importance of bringing your best self to the online world was emphasized, this includes regulating behavior and managing online connections.

The second film, entitled "ParenTechnology" examined how every generation faces new questions of the impact of technology. Stephen Balkam and Tiffany Shlain were joined by Mia Walker from My Digital TAT2. The three talked about the neurological impact of technology, the importance of parents modelling good behavior, and the creativity that occurs online and through new technology. Discussants also highlighted the role of online safety contracts in controlling children’s use of technology.