Should Kids Be Banned From Smartphones And More On This Week's CTRL ALT Delete Segment On CHOM 97.7 FM

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Every Monday morning at 7:10 am, I am a guest contributor on CHOM 97.7 FM radio out of Montreal (home base). It’s not a long segment – about 10 minutes every week – about everything that is happening in the world of technology and digital media. The good folks at CHOM 97.7 FM are posting these segments weekly on i Heart Radio, if you’re interested in hearing more of me blathering away about what’s going on in the digital world. I’m really excited about this opportunity, because this is the radio station that I grew up listening to, and it really is a fun treat to be invited to the Mornings Rock with Terry DiMonte morning show. The segment is called, CTRL ALT Delete with Mitch Joel.

This week we discussed: 

  • If there’s one thing that frustrates me more than anything, it’s very young children with their own smartphones and tablets. We have no idea what the longterm effects that these screens will have on our children. Regardless of the science, what about the social issues? There is a reality: if kids don’t use/learn on screens, we may be limiting their future, but… still. Where do you sit on this? Last week, the French government said that it will ban students from using mobile phones in primary, junior and middle school. Is this the right move? Which other countries will follow France? 
  • Is Facebook a good or bad idea this holiday season (or any time, really)? Well, Facebook just came out and admitted that it’s not all that good for your mental health, believe it or not. Researchers for the social network admitted that studies have found that spending time on Facebook “passively consuming information” can leave people “feeling worse”, but they also argued that part of the solution is to engage and interact more with people on Facebook. So, here’s the real question: How many people really engage and interact vs. Passively consume posts? This does not bode well for us.
  • App of the Week: Calm.