Today we’re diving into one of the trickiest parts of modern parenting—raising kids in the digital age. From posting baby photos to getting them their first phone, the Internet is woven into every stage of our children’s lives. But how do we balance sharing and connection with privacy and protection?

Joining me for this conversation is Professor Joana Gaia, Clinical Assistant Professor of Management Science and Systems at the University at Buffalo School of Management, whose expertise in technology, ethics, and innovation helps us make sense of this constantly shifting landscape.

Joana shares why our online and offline lives shouldn’t be treated as separate worlds, and how applying the same social rules to both can help us raise more self-aware, digitally responsible kids. 

If you’ve ever second-guessed sharing that cute photo, felt uneasy about your child’s screen habits, or wondered how to keep up with AI’s rapid evolution, this episode is your roadmap for navigating it all (while balancing protection and your child’s privacy).

Joana Gaia is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Management Science and Systems at the University at Buffalo School of Management. In her research, Joana has investigated the psychology of hackers, as well as how privacy concerns can impact an individual's smartphone use or willingness to share personal health information. In addition, she can comment on multiagency collaboration in emergency management situations. Co-founder of Girl Tech Day, Gaia can also discuss the importance of introducing kids to coding and other STEM concepts at a young age.

In this episode, we cover:

• The real risks (and realities) of AI, from deepfakes to data collection, and what parents can actually do to stay ahead.

• Don’t panic! Joana breaks down what data fraudsters really want (and it’s not what most parents think).

• The most overlooked online safety tool that can make a huge difference in protecting your child’s privacy.

• Why “just say no to screen time” isn’t the answer. And the guilt-free permission you’ve been waiting for! 

• How screen time and social media are shaping kids’ mental health and self-esteem, and what families can do to help.

• Plus, Joana shares the unexpected online game she uses in her classes to teach project management.

Resources & Links:

• Learn how Artificial Intelligence can be used to protect children online, but can also be misused by criminals to harm and exploit children.

• According to a 2025 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, teens who use social media for more than three hours a day double their risk of experiencing mental health problems.

• A 2024 American Psychological Association report found that 41% of teens with the highest social media use rated their mental health as poor or very poor. Read all the findings.

Connect with Joana:

• Through the University at Buffalo

Connect with Christine:

• Follow on Instagram

• Follow on TikTok

• Check out my website

More about Momming as a Millennial podcast: 

Welcome to Momming as a Millennial, the podcast where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a millennial mom in today’s dynamic world. Join your host, Christine Giarrizzo, on this candid journey as we navigate the complexities of motherhood, from tackling outdated stereotypes, to embracing our individual parenting styles.

In each episode, we explore the intersection of tradition and modern parenting. We’ll look at unsolicited advice and internet noise, as well as gender roles and expectations handed down by our parents and grandparents, in order to find what resonates with our true, authentic selves.

Tune in for honest conversations, genuine stories, expert insights, and a supportive community that understands the unique circumstance of navigating parenthood as a millennial. Together we’ll rewrite the narrative, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our generation.

Let’s redefine what it means to be a mama in the millennial era.

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