SHARE BETTER AND STRESS LESS

Careless posting can produce unpredictably harmful repercussions—and come back to hurt us—say the authors of this adaptation of their 2021 volume for adults on digital ethics, You Are Here.

Two university professors who specialize in communication in online environments offer teens advice on navigating the digital world. Short-term thinking is presented as a central problem. Comparisons of online “information pollution” with elements from nature such as the redwoods and hurricanes and concepts like the biomass pyramid help make the authors’ points accessible. Stressing and sharing can become a vicious circle: Anxious doomscrolling ratchets up worries, and some then share bad news impulsively without checking its accuracy or considering the consequences. The authors advocate shifting one’s perspective, benefiting from what’s known as the overview effect; their explanation of real-life and online context is widely applicable. Media users should also know how their content is monetized, how information is weaponized against marginalized groups, and why the motto “don’t feed the trolls” allows bias and hatred to flourish. The writing strives for a chatty, not-too-serious tone and avoids scolding, but experts and their research are often cited, validating the information. Text boxes labeled “reflection” invite readers to make personal, experiential connections to the authors’ points, as do anecdotes, direct questions, a (somewhat confusing) overarching narrative about fictional teens and their online interactions, and interludes with authorial comments and exchanges.

Offers sensible steps for foreseeing and minimizing damage to ourselves and others on social media.