How tech is transforming parenthood (for better or worse)

科技如何改变育儿(是福是祸)

Apple News In Conversation

2025-07-18

27 分钟
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New York Times critic Amanda Hess has spent years writing about the internet, technology, and culture. But when she became pregnant, and then a new parent, she was surprised by how much tech infiltrated — and tried to optimize — every aspect of her life. In her book Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age, Hess chronicles that experience. She sat down with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu to talk about the promises and pitfalls of parenting technology, and the tools that actually helped her family.
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  • This is "In Conversation" from Apple News.

  • I'm Shemita Basu.

  • Today, navigating parenting in the digital age.

  • Amanda Hess was pregnant with her first child when she went to her seven-month ultrasound appointment.

  • And during the exam,

  • the ultrasound tech noticed something unusual on the screen.

  • My son was sticking his tongue out, which I thought was so cute,

  • and it is cute.

  • But if it's happening persistently on an ultrasound,

  • it can be a sign of a genetic condition.

  • In the moment,

  • Amanda didn't know anything except that the technician looked concerned and left the room for what seemed like an eternity.

  • And laying there on the exam table, Amanda had just one wish.

  • My feeling wasn't like, I wish my husband could be here.

  • My feeling was, I wish I had my phone right now.

  • I wish I had my phone in my hand so I could Google tongue sticking out ultrasound and understand what is happening.

  • It took weeks for Amanda and her husband to get a diagnosis,

  • Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome,

  • a growth disorder that affects about one out of every 15,000 births.

  • In that period,