The Hypocrites of Tech
by Miki Saxon
Since it was first announced, iPad commercials have shown kids using them and millions of parents took to them to keep their kids entertained.
One major exception was Steve Jobs, the guru of consumer technology (his kids read hardcopy books).
“They haven’t used it,” he told me. “We limit how much technology our kids use at home.”
Jobs wasn’t alone.
Since then, I’ve met a number of technology chief executives and venture capitalists who say similar things: they strictly limit their children’s screen time, often banning all gadgets on school nights, and allocating ascetic time limits on weekends.
Chris Anderson, the former editor of Wired and now chief executive of 3D Robotics, Alex Constantinople, the chief executive of the OutCast Agency, Evan Williams, a founder of Blogger, Twitter and Medium and Lesley Gold, founder and chief executive of the SutherlandGold Group all limit or say no to technology for their kids.
“That’s because we have seen the dangers of technology firsthand. I’ve seen it in myself, I don’t want to see that happen to my kids.” –Chris Anderson
Limited or outright banned, technology is handled differently by those in tech when it comes to their kids.
Although some non-tech parents I know give smartphones to children as young as 8, many who work in tech wait until their child is 14. While these teenagers can make calls and text, they are not given a data plan until 16. But there is one rule that is universal among the tech parents I polled.
“This is rule No. 1: There are no screens in the bedroom. Period. Ever,” Mr. Anderson said.
In the light of new research, barring electronic screens from the bedroom has taken on new urgency and not just for kids.
The blue light from personal electronic devices has also been linked to serious physical and mental health problems.
(My sister’s doctor warned her months ago, but it took the article to make her stop.)
What the tech world sees is no different from what other people see on the news, but they pay more attention.
Not that any of this will change the ads or overall marketing of tech—it will keep targeting kids—hook them early they’re yours for life—and encouraging people of all ages to use their screens when it’s dark.
So much for the vaunted tech values of authenticity and transparency.
Actually, taking a step back, tech’s attitude seems more in tune with politicians’ attitude—more of a do as I say, not as I do approach.
Flickr image credit: Ernest McGray, Jr.
September 24th, 2014 at 1:15 am
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