THINKING
Tanya writes regularly on tech ethics, digital wellbeing, digital detox, Big Tech, screen-life balance, cybersafety, AI, persuasive tech, the attention economy and other topical issues related to the digital world.
2020: The TikTok Election
With a reported 100 million US active monthly users, a big proportion GenZ first time voters, 2020 has rapidly become the TikTok election.
What to do if friends and family have fallen for an internet conspiracy
Internet conspiracy theories are gaining traction online, so more of our friends and family are falling for them. Here’s how to help.
Reviewing The Social Dilemma
We review ‘The Social Dilemma’, the documentary film interviewing innovators in Silicon Valley to expose the ways we are manipulated online.
Why is Facebook offering to pay people to log off during the US Elections?
Facebook has had a major and well-documented impact on politics globally. So, why are they asking users to log off for this US election?
What to tell children about data privacy as they go back to school
As schools reopen, a perennial concern is around children’s understanding of data and privacy. Here are some suggestions on how to discuss it.
Screen time tips before the big return to school
Prepare children and young people now for the return to school with these screen time tips for building healthy screen habits.
The Trouble with TikTok: internet safety spotlight
Harmless-looking video sharing app TikTok boomed in popularity in lockdown. But beneath a benign surface are real security and internet safety concerns.
Screen time this summer: curation before clocks
Managing screen time for kids calls for a range of parental tools. One of those tools is curation — research on what you want your kids to be doing online.
The other pandemic: cybercrime
We’re spending more time online and so are cybercriminals, with scams from Twittergeddon to Zoom bombs. Here’s how to stay safe.
BOOKS
Tanya is the author of three books on our complicated relationship with technology:
‘My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open’, ‘Off.’ and ‘Stop Staring at Screens’ are all out now.
My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open
“Highly readable…attainable and realistic ways to reduce technology use and alleviate the burdens it can place on us as individuals and on our relationships.”
OFF: Your Digital Detox for a Better Life
"She presents simple ideas alongside practical suggestions for how to implement them - leaving you inspired and motivated by the end."
Stop Staring at Screens!
"Perhaps the best compliment I can pay this is that as soon as I started reading this, my 13-year-old son started looking over my shoulder, and in short order said, "I want to read this as soon as you're done. And I want to do this."