By listening to these comments from adolescents around me, you will understand why I found the discussion “La Chanson des Cyber Sirens” organized by Espacio Madresfera in collaboration with Fundación Telefónica so attractive. One of his goals was to “explain to the little ones of the house what cryptocurrencies and blockchain are. I would like to share some of the key messages presented during the event so that, like me, you can better understand the technological world in which our children, the digital natives, grow, a world they think they know and which fascinates them so much (the siren song), but which they do not always understand.
The discussion presented by Mónica de la Fuente presented three technology and innovation experts: Paloma Llaneza, lawyer specializing in technology and author of books and tests and in the press; María Teresa Nieto, computer engineer and senior manager in the Telefónica Tech blockchain team; And Javier López Menacho, writer and specialist in digital communication.
Technological training and its relationship with different concepts
Paloma Llaneza clearly indicated that concepts such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence, which can resemble science fiction, are not. They are already there and are part of our lives, even if we do not always do it. And it is likely that, for our children, they will be as common as mobile phones and internet for us today.
Training in these technologies is not only a question of staying up to date. Above all, it is a way of protecting us. This helps us to avoid scams, to avoid being manipulated and, above all, to prepare young people to live in an increasingly digital and interconnected world … and, yes, also in a more complex world because of the speed of progress.
There were also a lot of discussion on privacy and data protection, two problems that we often think that we understand, but which are actually full of gray areas. The truth is that a lot of “under the hood” of technologies we use every day that we often do not imagine because we do not know them. And this is not an accident. This is why it is crucial to know more about how and the information or data we provide. Because if we do not do it, we run the risk that these powerful tools can be used against us, as control or manipulation mechanisms.
Demystify technology
María Teresa Nieto did something that is always appreciated: she explained complex problems in a simple way. She talked about the blockchain, which for many of us seem technical and distant … but which has very specific applications. Thanks to the way it works – a decentralized network where many check the same – it generates confidence. It is not magical: it is technology that can help make processes safer and transparent. And yes, it also eliminates intermediaries, giving people more control and autonomy.
She reminded us that if something is free in the digital world, we are probably the product. We often pay with our attention, our data … or even our freedom to decide. This is why she called mothers, fathers and teachers to teach children to ask questions, not to be satisfied with the first version, to seek different perspectives in order to build a richer and freer understanding of the world around them.
Listening to him was very revealing. It made me think how essential it is to approach these problems naturally, without fear and, above all, with words that young people can understand.
The social impact of technology
Javier López has brought a broader and more structural perspective: technology transforms not only what we do, but also the way we live and how we organize ourselves as a company. It has enormous potential and generates multiple opportunities, but it can also amplify inequalities if we do not support it with reflection and ethical limits so that it serves people and not the reverse.
If we allow him to progress without any doubt, we run the risk of ending up benefiting a few at the expense of many. This is why, beyond the enthusiasm for the new, we also need a critical mind. We must know when to put the brakes, when to demand, when to say: “No, it’s not good”.
Javier also talked about something that is not mentioned but that is just as important: financial education. It is not enough for young people to know what are the interests or a mortgage or the functioning of the modern economy. We have to go further. We must teach them that money is not an end in itself. They must understand that it is not only to buy things, but a tool to build a life with a goal, a well-being … even happiness.
Because in the end, this is what it is: use technology and knowledge to better live and enjoy people. And to do this, we must start by teaching us and educating ourselves. Calmly. Significantly. And above all, with humanity.
These Madresfera talks always make me think about how I can help my daughter discover technology. I agree to learn and prepare myself to guide it as much as possible in this digital adventure (as far as I can). But it is not only a question of trying to protect it from danger, but also of giving it the tools and knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities that technology offers it.
Again, I realize how important it is to encourage her to learn and discover things for herself, to criticize the information she receives, to question her and to understand what is behind the technologies she uses. Because what we want is that our children, as in life in general, can sail in the digital world in complete safety and judiciously, take advantage of all the advantages of technology, but with knowledge.
