Retro-Tech Parenting
A technologist shares their approach to parenting in the digital age by embracing 'retro-tech' like CDs and offline media. The author aims to provide their children with enriching technology experiences while avoiding the pitfalls of modern surveillance capitalism and engagement-optimized feeds.
Why it matters
It reflects a growing trend among tech-literate parents who are seeking to balance digital literacy with the psychological and privacy risks posed by modern algorithmic platforms.
I am a technologist. I enjoy the things that computers and digital devices can do–they often seem magical and amazing! As a technologist, I have a particular vantage point to see and be very uncomfortable with what companies are doing with that technology. There are catchphrases for these patterns: AdTech, Surveillance Capitalism, Rage Bait, Engagement-Optimized Feeds, Harvesting Eyeballs.
The piece expresses a personal opinion on parenting and technology, but it is framed as a subjective lifestyle choice rather than a political stance.
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