Navigating the Attention Economy: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding and Managing Children’s Digital Habits

In light of the growing discussions around the vast amounts of data collected by the five major tech companies—commonly known as FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google)—I have developed a deeper interest in exploring this topic. A pertinent question arises: What impact is the attention economy having on us, particularly on the younger generation who are still in their formative years? According to Tristan Harris, a former design ethicist at Google, the attention economy is “shaping everything about contemporary life.” We all participate in this ecosystem, often without realizing its full effects.

As parents, how can we better understand the technology that is so readily accessible to our children?

Firstly, we must be willing to embrace continuous learning. It requires initiative and effort on the part of parents to make time in their busy schedules to understand what their children are engaging with online and how it might affect their development. Below are a few strategies that can serve as a starting point for concerned parents:

Show Interest: Begin by actively engaging with your child's online activities. Ask questions and listen attentively. Then, take the time to research what they are involved in. Technology is pervasive, and gaming, in particular, consumes much of our children's time.

Children can now connect and play games with peers from around the globe. While you don’t need to conduct in-depth research, staying informed about the games they play will allow you to ask relevant questions and engage in meaningful conversations. This approach signals to your child that you are genuinely interested, creating an environment where they see you as a partner, rather than an authority figure policing their actions. Open discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of online activities will help foster a sense of responsibility.

Be Tech-Savvy: Taking an interest in your child’s activities also requires a deeper understanding of the tools and platforms they use. There are many resources available to monitor your child’s online behavior and ensure their safety. However, it's important to strike a balance between supervision and trust. While it’s essential for children to know that you can check their online activity, the goal should not be to spy, but to guide. In future articles, I will explore the tools parents can use to achieve this.

Lead by Example: It is crucial to model the behaviors you wish to see in your children when it comes to technology use. Consider your own habits—are you scrolling through social media during family meals? Do you binge-watch shows over the weekend? Do your actions reflect the values you aim to instill? Children are more influenced by what they observe than what they are told. I will expand on this idea in future segments of this series.