We’re concerned about our children’s relationships with technology. What’s to be done about teaching manners through the use of bots? More than half of what my internet-savvy kids hear or read is emitted through some techno medium. The language used is stiff and manners don’t exist. My husband and I are conscientious about NOT using swear words and making sure to say, “Yes, please,” and “No, thank you”, as well as “May, I please, have another piece of cake?”
We adults have long been role models for behavior and speech. But if the bots are becoming a new authority and they don’t think problems through to a viable solution, aren’t they undermining all that parents and teachers are doing to foster good manners and problem solving?
–BN, Barrington, RI
~Didi