The magic of family stories and why you're drawn to doomscrolling

If your kids asked you what metadata is, or how an algorithm works, or why they still have to write an essay even though ChatGPT can do it for them, would you have a good answer? Dr Niraj Lal is the author of a new book that aims to give teenagers the tools they need to understand and demystify the internet. We all have that one family member who's told the same story a thousand times. But these stories matter — they help situate you in your own history and tell you something about who you are. Lorin Clarke shares her experience in documenting the stories of her late father and beloved satirist John Clarke, while Professor Kasia Bail explains all the benefits of reminiscing about the past. Should we bear witness to human suffering through our screens? What compels us to watch and share videos depicting violence and crisis — and does doing so help anyone beyond ourselves? Associate Professor in Philosophy Patrick Stokes unpacks the ethical dilemma of doomscrolling.