The Essential Internet Lessons for Today's Kids
Written on
In 2014, Elon Musk, the real-life Tony Stark of our time, established a unique private school named Ad Astra for his five sons. Interestingly, this institution is situated on the SpaceX campus and has opened its doors to other students, making it less exclusive than one might assume.
However, just its existence prompts significant questions regarding the current educational landscape.
What Ails Today's Education System?
Today’s education fails to align with the realities of our world. Alarmingly, it often neglects to prepare children for the future they will inherit. In many instances, the curriculum does not even acknowledge present-day challenges.
My wife, who works at a company focused on repurposing returned clothing from major brands, highlights this issue. While the company aims to reduce waste in the fashion industry, I believe this approach merely addresses superficial symptoms rather than tackling the core problem of overproduction. This practice, often termed “greenwashing,” masks the detrimental effects of the industry on our planet.
This perspective invites reflection on the future challenges our children will face and what skills they must develop to thrive.
Key Lessons for Children in the Digital Age
Understanding Content: Use It, Don't Let It Use You
Reflecting on my early days with Facebook, I remember the casual way I joined, only to realize how my online presence would become part of my identity. It took me a while to recognize that many users were sharing unfiltered content, which led to disturbing societal trends.
Today’s top thinkers are focused on keeping us engaged with our devices. Many users mindlessly accumulate likes without considering their choices, which inspired my concept of “Social (Media) Hygiene.”
The Importance of Social Hygiene
To manage toxic relationships in real life, one must learn to distance themselves from harmful influences. The same principle applies online—unfollowing and blocking negative content is crucial.
I recall showing a colleague my Instagram feed, which was filled with professional content, contrasting sharply with his feed of casual and distracting posts. This illustrates the importance of curating our digital environments.
Training Algorithms for Personal Benefit
I have long been proactive in managing my online presence by creating separate accounts for different projects. This strategy helps tailor the advertising I see to my current interests, making my online experience more relevant and productive.
Fact-Checking Skills are Essential
The rise of conspiracy theories and misinformation underscores the need for critical thinking. Many individuals struggle to discern credible sources from dubious ones. Teaching children to fact-check information is vital in today’s media landscape.
Embracing Change in a Digital World
Unlike some millennials, today's children will grow up entrenched in the internet. Many parents resort to handing their devices to children for quiet time, often without understanding the implications of their internet habits.
Reflecting on the evolution of the internet, I perceive distinct phases: the Bronze Age of discovery, the Renaissance of understanding, and the chaotic Witch Hunt period where misinformation flourished.
The future may resemble the Wild West, with an absence of regulations guiding our online interactions. As we move forward, it is essential to prepare our children to navigate and influence these emerging rules rather than merely comply with them.
