Kraw Lecture: Teens, Families, and the Algorithms at Our Table
Join us for a Kraw Lecture exploring how social media algorithms are shaping family life, from food choices to everyday conversations. Digital feeds influence how teenagers see themselves and communicate with their loved ones, but young people are more than passive consumers of online content.
Research involving teens, parents, grandparents, and people with food allergies reveals how teens actively interpret and navigate online content, using what they encounter to spark meaningful conversations with family members. When imagining the future of food technology, participants also emphasized the importance of knowing when to disconnect, making clear that no app should replace family traditions.
This talk explores what everyday family life can teach us about living with algorithms and why technology should help families navigate decisions together rather than simply optimize their choices. The lecture will also offer practical insights for parents, teens, and the people who design the technologies we use every day.
Speaker:
Christina Chung
Associate Professor, UC Santa Cruz
Moderator:
Roberto Manduchi
Interim Dean, Baskin School of Engineering and Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, UC Santa Cruz