Insights from the Education Experts Conference at AUC

Just over a week ago, I had the honour of presenting at the Education Experts conference hosted at the American University of Cairo. The organisers graciously allowed me to select a topic of my choice, and I chose to address an issue that is seldom discussed but deeply concerns many: the growing prevalence of mobile phones among the younger generation and its adverse effects on learning in educational settings.

In my presentation, titled ‘Your Phone Is Not Your Friend’, I sought to shift the narrative on how we perceive these captivating devices. Despite their diverse sizes, colors, and personalized features, it is essential for us to recognize their detrimental impacts and make informed decisions.

One of the key points I emphasised was the addictive nature of these devices, highlighting that this addictive quality is intentional, not accidental. It is our responsibility to guide Gen Z in managing and addressing this challenge.

During the session, I shared a compelling quote by Tristan Harris, former design ethicist at Google and co-founder of the Center for Humane Technologies, which underscored the shift from a tools-based technology environment to one characterized by addiction and manipulation. Harris’s words resonated deeply: “If something is not a tool, it’s demanding things from you. It’s seducing you; it’s manipulating you; it wants things from you. We’ve moved away from a tools-based technology environment to an addiction and manipulation used technology environment.”

The conference was a vibrant gathering of passionate participants, all committed to leveraging education to positively impact the world for a brighter future. The speakers brought diverse expertise to the table and shared valuable insights on a wide range of important topics.

One notable observation for me was the universal resonance of the topic of mobile phone usage, as it sparked keen interest from every school community and principal who sought additional guidance and support from me.

As we navigate the complicated intersection of technology and education, it becomes increasingly crucial to foster open dialogues and implement proactive measures to ensure that our students are equipped to leverage the benefits of technology while navigating its potential pitfalls. Engaging in meaningful conversations with our children and arming ourselves with knowledge and understanding will be instrumental in guiding future generations to utilise technology responsibly.

I look forward to further discussions and collaborations aimed at fostering a healthy and conducive learning environment for our children.

Warm regards,

Atif Hussain

Director of IT