Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 16, 2026 MPL event offered insights and tips to use technology more intentionally T he Malden Public Library (MPL) recently partnered with Reconnect Malden to hold an event, Tech on Your Terms, featuring three local experts on digital wellness and critical thinking. The purpose of the event was to help people use technology more intentionally. The topic was timely and relevant, as reportedly, people check their cellphones about once every five minutes, and nearly 46% of Americans say they’re “addicted” to their devices. Nearly 70 people, including several City Councillors and the Malden Public Schools Superintendent, attended this panel discussion, where experts provided tips and practical tools to help attendees better navigate tech and avoid (or reduce) mindless scrolling. The event also featured a lively Q&A session with thought-provoking questions and conversation about the significant impact technology has on people’s lives. The free event was open to youth, parents, and all community members, and it concluded with light refreshments and the opportunity for attendees to mix and mingle with the experts. Malden parent Shaleen Title, a volunteer with Reconnect Malden, helped bring this event to the MPL after having conversations with other local parents about technology and kids. “We were exhausted with decisions about phones, social media, and AI; we were concerned about all of the software being used at school; and we felt like we were dealing with all of this alone,” she explained. She helped organize this event “to bring us together and empower us to deal with these topics together.” Some of the experts’ biggest Established 1978 Mid-grade Regular 2.64 3.24 3.35 $3.37 Full Service ULS $2.999 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! takeaways included teaching children to use their devices (and social media) responsibly, setting limits around children’s use of cellphones and social media and encouraging children to spend time with friends — doing activities offline. The event’s three panelists included Dr. Susan Linn, a lecturer in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a ventriloquist who appeared on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Among other books, she is the author of “Who’s Raising the Kids? Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children.” Another panelist was Dr. Joan Donovan, a Malden-based professor and researcher who explores media manipulation and helps people detect, document and debunk media manipulation campaigns. Panelist Liza Hirsch, the Director of the Children’s Justice Unit at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, works to advance justice and equity for Massachusetts children and youth through civil investigations, litigation, policy and community engagement. About the Malden Public Library MPL, which is located at 36 Salem St. in Malden, supports technology in various ways, including free Wi-Fi, tech help drop-in days, loaner laptops for use inside the library, a Library of Things with many tech items available, and circulating Wi-Fi hotspots. The Library offers diverse programming, services and resources for children, teens and adults, and it can be a hub for screen-free learning and connection. The staff encourages parents and kids to dive into physical books, magazines and newspapers; explore free programs like story time and craft workshops; and use quiet spaces for relaxing, journaling or solving puzzles. Patrons can also engage with others by joining the Library’s book clubs, board game nights and other great family-friendly events. Learn more at MPL| SEE PAGE 8 EVERETT ALUMINUM SUPPLIES 67 Years! — Vinyl Siding — Carpentry Work — Decks — Roofing — Free Estimates — Replacement Windows — Fully Licensed — Fully Insured FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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