The Top 5: Self-care loneliness, how we talk about children, arguments against smartphone bans, degrowth advocates
Welcome to the latest edition of the Top 5 articles we’ve read this week. Each week, we read dozens of articles in the hope we find essays and reporting that speak to big ideas, trends, future looks, and incredible human stories. We hope you enjoy our list, and do always let us know if you have a suggestion or a recommendation!
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The Top 5 articles for your week:
“How the self-care industry made us so lonely” (Vox)
Because Allie Volpe bolding declares, “one practice designed to relieve us from the ills of the world — self-care, in its current form — has pulled us away from one another, encouraging solitude over connection.”
“Shrink the Economy, Save the World?” (NYT)
Because Jennifer Szalai looks to a growing number of economists and thinkers who are questioning the desirability of economic growth.
“‘That’s a Long Half Hour for a Parent’” (Slate)
Because Stephanie H. Murray explores the arguments against the surge in smart phone bans and smart phone pledges for kids. Parents worried about school shooting scenarios are wary of limits on phone usage at school.
“Are Children a Good Idea?” (Comment Magazine)
Because Mary Ellen Mitchell discusses the various threads that make up how children are viewed, cared for, and incorporated into daily life in American society writ-large.
“How Liberals Talk About Children” (New Yorker)
Because after reading Mary Ellen Mitchell’s essay above, read Jay Caspian Kang’s essay which (as he says in his own words) concerns “how liberals talk about children and if there might be a need for progressive family values that aren’t just broad statements of inclusion, apologies for privilege, and endless caveats.”
ICYMI on the podcast:
Episode 111: Listener Q+A & A Big Announcement
The Morning Five: June 10, 2024
The Morning Five: June 11, 2024