Issue 197: Which Nations Can Lead the Way in Smart Tech Legislation?
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about smartphone usage.
THE BIG TAKE
Which Nations Can Lead the Way in Smart Tech Legislation?
Kids are on smartphones too much. There is no other way to say it than to just say it. Growing concerns about the impact of smartphones and specifically social media on children have led to calls for regulatory action worldwide. Last week, United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy proposed a warning label on social media platforms to highlight the significant mental health risks for young people, similar to those on tobacco products. While some experts support Murthy's initiative, others argue that the evidence linking social media to mental health issues is not strong enough to justify such sweeping statements. The debate highlights the complex nature of social media's effects, which include both potential harms and benefits.
States take their own action. Smaller government entities around the world are taking matters into their own hands. For example, California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken decisive steps to limit smartphone use in schools. This is a bold move for a state synonymous with technology. Newsom plans to collaborate with the state legislature to implement restrictions on smartphone use during school hours, aligning California with other states that have already imposed similar limitations. This initiative follows Newsom's previous efforts to protect underage social media users and reflects a broader movement to reduce the distractions and potential harms associated with smartphones in educational settings.
Answers closer to home. Looking beyond the United States, countries with smaller populations but robust tech sectors, like the UAE, can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges through innovative legislation and smart policies. By fostering environments where technology and youth mental health are carefully balanced, these nations can lead by example. Their ability to swiftly implement and test new regulations offers valuable insights into managing the digital landscape's complexities. Such proactive measures could set global standards, ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to society while mitigating potential risks.
Summer Health special
Summer is a crucial time to pay attention to our health especially in the Gulf. As the warmer weather and longer days tend to keep us indoors, we need to find creative ways to maintain physical activity. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reassess our health routines and consider integrating technology to stay on top of any potential medical issues. Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches like the Apple Watch, has revolutionized how we monitor and manage our health. These devices provide real-time data on various health metrics, from heart rate and physical activity to sleep patterns and stress levels, helping us make informed decisions about our well-being.
Wearables play a significant role in enhancing our health monitoring capabilities, especially during the summer months. Devices like the Apple Watch are not only popular for tracking fitness goals but are increasingly being used in medical contexts. According to the Wall Street Journal, doctors are recommending these wearables to patients for continuous monitoring of conditions such as atrial fibrillation. By providing instant access to crucial health data, wearables enable early detection of potential issues, allowing for timely medical intervention.
This proactive approach to health management can be lifesaving, as continuous monitoring and data sharing with healthcare providers ensure that any anomalies are promptly addressed. As technology advances, the integration of wearables into our daily routines will likely become even more seamless, empowering us to take control of our health year-round. It’s never been easier to stay healthy.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Do it big, do it right, and do it with style”
- Fred Astaire
CHART OF THE WEEK
This week, we are thinking about cyber attacks. While the scourge of cyber attacks continues to loom larger worldwide, The Economist recently discovered that the costs of major cyber attacks have surprisingly fallen in recent years.
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
Crowd funding comes home. Earlier this month, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) formed a strategic partnership with SmartCrowd Holding, a company known for pioneering digital real estate investment in the Middle East and North Africa. What’s remarkable about this partnership is what the two will be focused on. The aim is to create a blockchain-powered digital platform to attract investments in NFTs for future RTA projects, such as rest areas with retail and service centers. At its core, this is a fascinating crowdfunding project and it’s more evidence of Dubai's commitment to providing inclusive investment opportunities to enhance the city's profile as a regional economic powerhouse. Leveraging blockchain and digital platforms promises to foster innovative private-sector collaborations, driving Dubai's ambitious development agenda.
The long arm of batteries. We often think of batteries as the power source for our everyday devices, but their impact extends far beyond our smartphones and laptops. Batteries are becoming a critical element in military power, driving advancements in diesel-electric submarines, unmanned drones, and more. As noted in War on the Rocks, the strategic importance of batteries, particularly in the context of global security and economic stability, highlights the need for innovative policies and international cooperation. The next arms race might just be about batteries.
What do we really know about sharks? Sure, they are scary but what do we really know about sharks? In fact, what do we really know about animals? Our understanding of the animal kingdom is constantly evolving, with new discoveries continually reshaping our perceptions. A recent study published in Current Biology highlights how increased ocean temperatures over 100 million years ago led to significant evolutionary changes in sharks. These ancient predators grew bigger and faster, moving from the seafloor to the open ocean, adapting their fin and body structures for improved swimming efficiency. This research underscores the dynamic nature of evolution, revealing that even the most formidable creatures of the past underwent significant adaptations in response to environmental changes. As we learn more about these ancient transformations, it reminds us that the natural world is in a constant state of flux.
Always learning: Our understanding of education is also constantly evolving, much like our knowledge of the animal kingdom. In classrooms like those at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, voice-activated AI assistants are transforming the way teachers interact with students. These AI tools, like Origin, founded by computer scientist Satya Nitta, provide instant access to educational resources, making lessons more dynamic and engaging. From summoning videos on kangaroo rats to displaying airflow illustrations, AI enhances the learning experience, though it can’t replace the motivational and interactive role of human teachers. This blend of technology and traditional teaching exemplifies how our approaches to education and understanding of learning are in a state of continual flux, adapting to new tools and insights.