From Emergency Brain Surgery to Digital Destiny: A Generation's Reckoning

Written by Nina Gehan-King, Co-Founder @ MeaningFULL Development & Communications

After 8 months away from LinkedIn, I am back to share a hard truth about technology, responsibility, why I stepped back, and why I'm here today. I realize this is a long post so bear with me.

Eight months ago, our two-year-old son underwent emergency brain surgery, an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV), which saved his life. This experience underscored the marvels of modern technology: robotic assistance and endoscopic techniques pioneered in 2004—the same year Facebook launched.

During those challenging times, it wasn't social media that sustained us; it was real people showing up in meaningful ways. To everyone who supported us, your actions defined true community. Thank you.

I've watched the digital transformation from the inside, and the outside, since computers first hit the scene in the 90s.

As part of Facebook's early test days at the University of Chicago in 2004, I have witnessed the birth and evolution of social media since its inception, and watched our generation become both architects and victims of the attention economy.

Social networks aren't inherently good or bad - they're tools. But unfortunately, research suggests by in large we've failed to use them effectively over the last 20 years —and that they've contributed negatively to mental health and societal cohesion.

Read the full post here.

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