GP TMJC 2023 StraitsTimes Primer 7 - The Search for Authenticity in an Interconnected World

THE SEARCH FOR AUTHENTICITY IN AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD ST-MOE News Outreach Programme 2023 Primer Resource 7 of 12 explore the implications of digital interconnectivity on the nature and quality of relationships today; consider the extent to which technology has deepened interpersonal understanding; and analyse the significance of authentic relationships and connections in today’s interconnected world. In this issue, we will: W e l c o m e t o t h e P r i m e r s e r i e s . H e r e y o u w i l l f i n d t h e w e e k l y P r i m e r a r t i c l e s a n d s o m e c u r a t e d r e s o u r c e s t o s u p p o r t t e a c h i n g a n d l e a r n i n g . D o e s g r e a t e r d i g i t a l c o n n e c t i v i t y n e c e s s a r i l y t r a n s l a t e t o s t r o n g e r r e l a t i o n s h i p s ? I n t h i s i s s u e , w e w i l l e x p l o r e i f i n t e r c o n n e c t i v i t y f o s t e r s d e e p a u t h e n t i c r e l a t i o n s h i p s . Scan or click on the QR codes to access the primers.

ST-MOE NEWS OUTREACH PROGRAMME 2023 PRIMER 7/12 BACKGROUND How can the Internet help to make our friendships stronger? Watch this video to find out. Does social media use impede meaningful interaction with people close to us? Read this article to find out. Do you agree with what U.S. teenagers say about their use of social media? Read this study to find out more. 80% of U.S. teens say that what they see on social media makes them feel more connected to what is going on in their friends’ lives. 45% of girls and 32% of boys say they feel overwhelmed because of all the drama on social media. How the Internet is Changing Friendship Teen Life on Social Media Social Media's Growing Impact

ST-MOE NEWS OUTREACH PROGRAMME 2023 PRIMER 7/12 PERSPECTIVES Floyer discusses different expectations of online and offline friendships, and argues that we do not necessarily need to be with people to connect with them. Can Online Friends be the Answer to Loneliness? Allen puts forth the case that digitalisation and technology are not a cure for people who feel lonely. Digitalisation and Loneliness Chen shares how we can choose to live life without being obsessed with social media. Take a Break from Social Media Lewis invites readers to consider if social withdrawal would still be problematic with new technologies and the metaverse. Online Worlds and Social Withdrawal Scan or click on the QR codes below to access the links. To what extent does digital connectivity help to foster authentic relationships? How far do you agree with the perspectives and how does each writer’s view support or challenge the others? As you read these articles, consider the following:

Resource Scarcity, Climate Considerations and Implications on Geopolitics Budget 2023 Wildlife Conservation The Value of International Sporting Competitions Today Regulation of Medical Technology Fame and Celebrity Culture The Search for Authenticity in an Interconnected World Strengthening Intergenerational Bonds Words Matter: Language and Power The Place of Museums Today The Sharing Economy Doing Good 20 Mar 27 Mar 3 Apr 10 Apr 17 Apr 8 May 15 May 22 May 17 Jul 24 Jul 31 Jul 7 Aug ST-MOE NEWS OUTREACH PROGRAMME 2023 PRIMER TOPICS Human Connection in the Digital Age Tech Solutions & Emotional Connections AI Technology & Companionship Scan or click on these QR codes for more information. EXTEND YOUR UNDERSTANDING: RESOURCES FOR BLENDED LEARNING Chatbots & Relationships AI Resource Bank GP SLS ST GP Resources ST IB Resources OTHER ST RESOURCES

WEEK 6 READING CHAMPS! KENNAN NEO KAH DEE KENNETH HUBERT SUHARDJO HANNAH CHOI YNG SHUENN NARASIMHAN VENKATESHWARAN OON ZHENG KANG PECK YI XUAN SNG JIE QI NIDIA FUN WAI MAN, CHARLENE SEE JIAN LIANG YU YU XIN, VANESSA TAN WOON TECK ASRJC ACJC ACS(I) CJC DHS EJC HCI JPJC MI NYJC NJC NUS High RI RVHS SAJC SOTA SSP SJI TMJC TJC VJC YIJCTNG WEE BOON AMOS MUHAMMED TALHA MEMON AUSTEN TAN TING LUN ISABEL POH LU TING TAN JER MIN TRINA RACHEL KOH RUI JIE JAIME CHEW CHIEN YEE TOH SER JUN CLETUS BEVERLYN LIU JIAYING NICOLE CHUN SI EN CHONG ZI HUI One winner per school per week* Winners are determined based on the total number of articles read in each week. Each winner will receive a prize from SPH Media Limited. The top three students who read the most articles over the 12 weeks will be identified from the weekly winners and they will receive attractive prizes from SPH Media Limited! The school with the highest average number of articles read during the Primer season will also be announced at the end of the campaign. Preliminary RounDS *Past winners will not be eligible in the following weeks but will qualify for the final round. Final Round Organised in conjunction with the Primer season (over 12 weeks from 20 March to 7 August) READING CAMPAIGN

A storytelling competition jointly organised by Temasek and The Straits Times Take part in FUTURE FORECAST Scan or click on the QR code for step-by-step instructions on how to log in to ST Online. ACCESS TO PREMIUM ARTICLES Submit a short essay, an illustration or a video on how you picture the future in 30 years. Your entry should be based on one or more of these themes: digitisation, longer lifespans, sustainable living, and the future of consumption. A total of 20 winners will be selected from two categories: 10 from secondary schools, junior colleges or their equivalent, and IP or IB schools; and 10 from institutes of higher learning. Winners will each receive a cash prize of $1,000 and get the opportunity to attend workshops conducted by ST and Temasek. The student behind the entry with the most public votes from each category will win an iPad Pro. Entries must be submitted by July 31. Scan or click on the QR code for ideas, prompts and competition details.