While on the topic of George Orwell's 1984, I think it's a haunting glimpse (or prophetic vision) into a dystopian future where Big Brother rules, surveillance is omnipresent and mind-control regulates the masses in the form of doublethink and doublespeak via newspeak by the Ministry of Truth. There are so many current real-world comparisons that can be drawn for a novel published in 1949 making it somewhat eerie and disconcerting at the same time.

Edward Snowden's revelations have alerted the general public to the government's capabilities where surveillance is concerned. I do not think it's premature to state we're currently living in a time reminiscent of Orwell's 1984; I'm just thankful we haven't encountered any thought police -- let alone the Ministry of Love.... yet.

With the rise in fake news attributed to social media along with a host of other issues and the fact that teenagers are developmentally vulnerable and more susceptible to undue influence, I tend to agree with the author's contention regarding the need for parental monitoring of privacy settings and profiles (assuming that parent is equipped with the necessary reasoning and critical thinking skills to effectively enforce it). I'm also of the opinion that teenagers should not be sheltered when it comes to social media and the often times harsh or seemingly offensive content. The sooner they're exposed, aware and able to manage or cope, then the better off they will be.

5482550 - Christian

This inspiring TED talk by renown educator Sir Ken Robinson is one that everyone needs to watch. He highlights the outdated and broken education model and champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity, acknowledge multiple types of intelligence and bring forth the education revolution necessary to see humanity advance into the next era. 5482550 - Christian