This fall I get to co-teach a high school seminar class on 21st century problems. Climate change is on the list, of course, and I'm well prepared there. But, among a vast number of other problems, there are also psychological problems related to social media and electronic connectedness. I know several students who have great difficulty concentrating on their work because they cannot stop thinking about the text they'll get later, or the latest instagram or tumblr. But I don't really understand the psychology here, either of the apparent addiction or it's effective treatment.
So this is what I'm hoping you, my seldom-referenced Kosians (as almost guardian angels to whom I can post a wish with reasonable hope it will be fulfilled), will be able to help me find:
• readings that a group of pretty literate high school kids could get through, that give the lay of the social media addiction land;
• readings that could inoculate those kids who might be tempted by ever-present technology; and
• readings that might give a young addict a key or a kick to help him recognize his problem and get the help he needs.
Reading length could be from one page to hundreds of pages.
It's past my bed time as it is, and I have school tomorrow. So please forgive me for not responding timely in the diary, but I do intend to follow up on all suggestions. Thanks in advance for your comments.