Emotional Outsourcing: When We Rely on Others to Regulate Us
Emotional regulation is something we are meant to develop internally. But in a world of constant connection and immediate feedback, it has become easier than ever to rely on external sources to manage our emotional states. This piece examines the rise of emotional outsourcing and its implications for development.
Why Our Thinking About Screens and AI Keeps Missing the Point
Most conversations about screens and AI focus on how much time children spend, what digital tools replace, or whether content is “good” or “bad.” This article argues that those questions miss a deeper issue. Development is shaped by what children repeatedly practice. Modern digital environments often reinforce escape from discomfort and constant anticipation, training attention, emotion, and effort in subtle but powerful ways. Understanding this shift is essential if we want responses that build capacity rather than chase symptoms.