In what sense does the subsection "Protecting Our Zones of Interaction with Our Young Children" tie in with the Social Construction of Reality? Please be specific and draw from examples in the book chapter.
Peter Berger and Thomas Luckman have put forward the theory of Social Construction of Reality. This theory states that the way we present ourselves to others is dependent on how we are raised and what we are raised to believe. In other words, the way in which an individual perceives reality is colored by their beliefs and background. In the book the Big Disconnect, the author states that what we perceive today at the parking lot in a preschool is the new reality. Children expect that they should have quality time with their parents. However, when the child has to compete with tech products for attention and often come second, then this will shape their experiences and make them believe that this the reality. They will start believing that multitasking is the norm, giving priority to these distractions is the right thing to do. So they follow suit by turning to these tech gadgets. This results in lack of communication between children and parents, leading to a less confident child due to the feelings of isolation, anger, and sadness. When a parent has to take care of a sick child or has to attend to some special needs, then the parent might distract the child by asking them to watch the TV or amuse themselves with tech gadgets, which is fine if done once in a while. If a pattern is created, then we have to remember the theory of social construction of reality and guard against this becoming a new reality for the child.
How is this book a sort of institution in it of itself? In other words, what writing strategy (give one specific example) does the author use to make her message more convincing or seem more like *the* truth?
Catherine Steiner-Adair is a renowned clinical psychologist who has examined how digital revolution has changed the childhood and family interactions in a profound manner in her book, “The Big Disconnect”. She has drawn from her real life experience as a clinical psychologist and consultant to provide insight into how parents can deal with the new disconnect that is formed in the family dynamics due to the digital revolution. She has used real-life stories, interviews with kids, parents, and experts to put across her point of view in a persuasive manner. She argues that the tech has reduced the bonding that happens within a family. There are supporters for the invasion of technology into the family life, like it has invaded all other spheres of life. Catherine Steiner-Adair does not oppose this point of view and in fact even concedes that technology is inevitable in schools. She just wants parents to ensure that the they provide a safe and civil model of interaction with tech for children and does it very convincingly. Due to the real-life stories from her clinical and consulting practice, this book can be considered an institution.
References
Luckmann, P. L. (1966). The social construction of reality. New York, NY: Random House.
Steiner-Adair Catherine, T. H. (2013). The big disconnect: protecting childhood and family relationships in the digital age. New York, NY: Harper Paperbacks.
