Mindset, Skillset, Toolset

A teen's guide to staying in control

The Mindset - Teens are old enough to understand what biases are, and that understanding is the starting point. The more they can take stock of their own core biases, meaning the things that grab their attention or push their behavior in a certain direction, the better they'll spot the moment software is using those same levers on them.

The skillset -  is about balance.

Teens still want friends, and if those friends are on TikTok or WhatsApp, quitting isn't the answer. The real skill is deciding how much to use these platforms, how much to step back, and how to build friendships that aren't anchored in social media at all.

The toolset -  is growing.

There are more and more apps built to help teens manage their own tech use: putting the phone down, making room for other activities, and feeling like they're the ones in charge.

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