Tales of a Two-Sided Coin: Navigating the Opportunities and Threats of Technology

Technology is powerful—it can open doors, amplify voices, and connect communities. But it can also expose us to risks we don’t always see coming. In this episode of Black-Liberation.Tech, Dr. Jordan tells a story of how Jazmin sits down with mothers and daughters in a cozy after-school center to unpack both sides of the digital coin. From sharing art online to guarding personal privacy, we explore how to identify opportunities, recognize threats, and use tech with wisdom. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder: the internet is a gift, but it requires care.

Show Notes

In today's story, Jazmin leads an open and honest discussion about the double-edged nature of technology. Speaking with mothers and their daughters, she covers:

• The benefits and risks of posting online
• How to set boundaries without shutting down opportunities
• Practical safety rules for navigating the internet
• Building trust and understanding between parents and teens around technology use
• Tools and strategies for spotting online threats before they escalate

Listeners will walk away with real-life examples, decision-making frameworks, and conversation starters to use at home.

Featured Activities from the Lesson:

• Reflect & Write prompts for personal journaling
• Spot the Opportunity or Threat? interactive scenario game
• Search Smart, Think Twice AI literacy and safety checklist activity

Reflective Questions for Listeners

1. What is one opportunity technology has given you recently?
2. What’s one online threat or risk you’ve personally noticed?
3. If something you posted reached unexpected people, how could that impact you?
4. How do you decide what is safe to share online?
5. What is one personal “online safety rule” you want to follow moving forward?
6. How can you explain your favorite app, game, or online hobby to someone who doesn’t use it?
7. What’s one sentence from this episode that you want to remember?