Is AI becoming Big Brother? Human presence and emotional-state detection technologies are raising civil rights alarms bells. Although they could have merits for productivity, they’re also invasive and error-prone.

With many screen-time rules in abeyance and distance learning replacing in-person school, teens and younger school kids are reaping the benefits but also seeing the limitations of what digital technology can do for them.

COVID-19 also led to a rise in online education. Technology leaders expected telemedicine (24%) and remote learning and online education (20%) to benefit the most from the 5G rollout, according to a 2021 IEEE report.

As debate flares over the potential reopening of K-12 schools and universities this fall, 37% of US parents strongly disagree that their child would be just as successful with virtual/distance learning.

eMarketer vice president of business development Marissa Coslov, principal analyst Mark Dolliver and vice president of research Jennifer Pearson discuss whether distance learning works, what the knock-on consequences are and how parents are using digital to cope, handle, distract and educate their kids. They then talk about the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics, free Amazon Prime Video kids content and the impact Americans think COVID-19 will have on their personal finances.

Distance learning can be costly for some parents

Common educational disruptions included shifts to remote learning, decreased socialization with instructors and peers, and fewer opportunities to participate in school-related sports and activities. College-age students delayed enrollment, transferred to less-expensive schools, attended institutions closer to home, took gap years, and dropped out completely.

State of the category: The computer/consumer electronics category spiked in sales growth last year as consumers shifted to remote learning and working and relied more on home entertainment. In 2020, US ecommerce sales for computer/consumer electronics grew 35.2%, reaching $178.69 billion—significant growth for a category that’s already established in ecommerce.

Cardholders can also get a free three-month membership and 30% off annual renewals for Skillshare—an online learning platform. Customers also get exclusive presale access and free tickets on eligible purchases through live music startup Sofar Sounds. Visa Signature cardholders can get three free months of Shipt, then nine months at 50% off.

The PC industry has seen a steady surge in demand in the past year and a half due mostly to the remote work and remote learning reality spurred by the pandemic. This demand, however, has been challenged by the global component and chip shortages, which really started to take their toll in Q2.

Virtual fitness, business collaboration, and distance learning are just three of many examples. With more development and more demand, VR and AR are increasingly being seen as viable replacements for in-person training, meetings, events, conventions, customer service, healthcare, and other activities. Big Tech sees big opportunity.

These changes were largely the result of pandemic-induced shifts to remote work and virtual learning, increasing demand for higher-quality telecom services and faster internet speeds. Mobile Advertising Formats. Data from Logan also shed light on how the pandemic affected client investments in mobile ads.

For many families, the shift to distance learning, coupled with the scarcity of in-person gatherings, is turning digital usage into an all-day phenomenon. Read more:. Yes, Adults Are More Stressed Because of the Pandemic, Especially with Juggling Work and Home Life. Podcast: American Teens' Favorite Social Media Platforms.