Best and Worst of Tech So Far in 2026
March 30, 2026 | By GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders
We are three months into 2026 and the pace of tech is moving faster than ever! Here is what GoodforMEdia youth think the best and worst things are about tech so far this year.
Best
How tech is improving health! New tools are helping doctors detect diseases early on and develop treatments faster.
I have no clue why, but social media has made it so much easier to "lock in" this year. I've been fine-tuning my feeds to give me factoids, inspirational quotes, and good lifestyle habits that are really brightening all of my days.
Technology and social media have both allowed me to keep in touch with friends and family that live in other places. I appreciate that I can still talk to them and see what's going on in their lives.
I have noticed how newer forms of AI are being made that are dedicated towards supporting students in studying such as using notes to make practice quizzes, flashcards, etc.
My friends and I have started to make a bigger effort of staying off our phones! Holding each other accountable and making more time to talk has been great.
I have seen a lot of new work being done on protections in youth addiction, including digital technologies. This is exciting, as not only are communities motivated for change, but the government is now seeing the need for support!
One of the best things in tech right now, especially in distressing times like the ones we're in, is the availability to connect with friends, find support and community, and see the good in the world.
Tech/social media has made it possible for me to maintain connections and stay in contact with my friends from around the country, like those I met from summer programs or other things.
Worst
AI-generated deepfakes. It's becoming hard to distinguish manufactured v. authentic content.
The AI brainrot that's spewing itself all over my social media makes it so hard to appreciate creativity and genuine artistic commitment. It has also become difficult to recognize what is and isn't AI.
How much time people spend on screens. A lot of apps are purposely designed to keep people scrolling and continuously checking, which can make it harder to focus and be fully present with others.
Definitely AI content: it is becoming so realistic and continues to grow without regulations. It worries me environmentally, interpersonally, and politically.
Now, I can't even tell the difference between real and fake videos and/or photographs. This is a HUGE concern I am finding when getting my news updates.
Knowing what consumer tech to trust (such as with Anthropic, OpenAI, and the Dept. of War on the ethics of using AI for autonomous weapons)
How hard it is becoming to tell what information is real, which leads to misinformation since some people don't know what's true.
With equal lists of both good and bad, it seems the complexity of tech continues, and it’s changing fast. For help navigating it all, check out the additional tools and insights from GoodforMEdia.
Additional Tools and Insights 📚
GoodforMEdia Guide for Teens: AI in the Digital World: This guide offers practical tips to help youth understand how AI works, recognize its limits, and use it in ways that support creativity, connection, and mental health.
GoodforMEdia 10 Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health in a Digital World: Discover tips for redefining your relationship with the media and finding ways to protect your wellbeing while staying connected.
GoodforMEdia’s Learning Hub: Check out stories, insights, and strategies from young people to empower healthy relationships with social media.
GoodforMEdia Guides and Tools: Explore additional resources created by youth to help their peers and adult allies navigate the positive and negative aspects of social media.
Share Your Perspective 💬
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