Tao-Technology for Teen Mobile Use: Harmonizing Adaptation, Autonomy, and Reflection

TL;DR

This paper introduces Tao-Technology, a self-organizing, adaptive framework inspired by Taoist philosophy, designed to regulate adolescent mobile use by fostering autonomy, reflection, and balanced engagement through dynamic, context-aware adjustments.

Contribution

It presents a novel, philosophy-inspired adaptive regulatory approach that shifts from rigid controls to flexible, self-organizing regulation for adolescent mobile technology use.

Findings

Proposes Tao-Technology based on Taoist principles.

Integrates Reflective Informatics and Information Ecologies.

Supports balanced and intentional digital engagement.

Abstract

Adolescents' mobile technology use is often regulated through rigid control mechanisms that fail to account for their autonomy and natural usage patterns. Drawing on Taoist philosophy, particularly Wu Wei, Yin-Yang, and Zi Ran, this position paper proposes Tao-Technology, a self-organizing, adaptive regulatory framework. Integrating insights from Reflective Informatics and Information Ecologies, we explore how mobile technology can dynamically adjust to context while fostering self-reflection and meaning-making. This approach shifts from external restrictions to dynamic co-adaptative regulation, ensuring technology governance remains flexible yet structured, supporting adolescents in cultivating a balanced and intentional relationship with digital technology.