One of the lasting impacts of COVID might not be new technologies but an acceleration in the adoption of technology that already existed. The pandemic forced us to depend on technology for everything, from securing basic necessities to maintaining our emotional connections. Yet, many of us remain as unprepared in our digital lives as a driver who understands nothing about the rules of the road. Imagine operating a powerful car without knowing what a stop sign means, how to control the brakes, or why the accelerator is so critical—it's a recipe for disaster. Just as responsible drivers need to grasp road signs and core vehicle functions to navigate safely, today's technology users must familiarize themselves with digital "signposts" and the fundamental workings behind the devices they rely on. Without this basic literacy, even everyday interactions with technology can lead to uninformed decisions and unexpected risks.

The answer to this problem isn't to encourage all kids to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in college. I firmly believe we are doing a disservice to students by encouraging them to enter STEM at the expense of other endeavors that would make them more satisfied in life. We will always have a need for human computer scientists, doctors, engineers, etc., but the combination of AI and the acceptance of remote work will mean that the easier STEM jobs will be automated or outsourced to cheaper countries. If you aren't the individual who is inclined to read "The Art of Computer Programming"^[1] for fun, then you may not always be guaranteed a programming job. In other words, do not go to college for STEM unless you love STEM.

Instead of pushing students toward STEM careers, we should focus on making technology accessible and engaging for everyone. This means helping students discover the beauty in coding and the joy of solving problems through technology. Take Rivers Cuomo, the Weezer frontman, who wrote a simple app to manage his tour schedule. While not commercially viable, his project exemplifies how coding can solve personal problems and demystify technology. This kind of practical, personal approach to coding makes technology more accessible and less intimidating.

The goal isn't to turn everyone into professional programmers, but rather to create a technology-literate population that understands the tools they use daily. Just as we teach basic physics and chemistry to all students - not to create scientists, but to help them understand their world - we should teach basic programming concepts to help students understand their digital world.

Consider social media algorithms: while roughly 90% of the teenagers who use TikTok access it daily^[2], the majority do not understand how its recommendation system works or why it's so effective at capturing their attention. This knowledge gap between using technology and understanding it creates vulnerable users who can't make informed decisions about their digital lives.

When we introduce coding to kids, we should:

1. Focus on problem-solving and logical thinking over memorizing code syntax
2. Encourage personal projects that solve real problems
3. Teach basic concepts of how common technologies work

The future needs both technology creators and informed technology users. While not everyone should pursue a STEM career, everyone should understand the basic principles of the technology that shapes their lives. By focusing on practical understanding rather than professional preparation, we can create a more technologically literate society without pushing students into career paths that may not suit them.