{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Staying True to Our Futuristic Minds","description":"As technology plays an increasing role in every aspect of our lives, the novels of this timely panel grapple with the implications of a technological future and its impact on young people\u2019s mental health. Kelly Yang illustrates the impact of social media in Finally Heard, a heartpounding novel about ten-year-old Lina\u2019s quest to go viral and her struggle to break free from the allure of comparison and become her authentic self in this fast-paced world. Immersed in an AI-generated, virtual-reality environment, The Vale is Abigail Hing Wen\u2019s cautionary tale about thirteen-year-old Bran\u2019s technological world that grows by the power of imagination, and the chaos that ensues when it begins to have a mind of its own. Given all the dangers of technology, some parents may decide to send their teenagers off to Mexico for an unplugged summer, as Celi and Elio\u2019s parents do in Stream. Aida Salazar\u2019s heartwarming dual narrative imagines what happens in the middle of nowhere\u2014without internet, electricity, or even running water\u2014amidst the stark beauty and cultural richness of rural Mexico, with crushes blooming, when teenagers can finally shed their online selves to embrace nature, connect to culture, and cultivate authenticity. With a future of technology written on the horizon, Berkeley High School librarian Allyson Bogie and Berkeley High School senior Penelope will moderate this panel and provide a youth perspective to this thoughtful conversation about technology, mental health, and creating a sustainable digital future. This event took place in Downtown Berkeley, at the Bay Area Book Festival, May 29-31 2026.&amp;nbsp; Support our work and help to keep the Bay Area Book Festival 96% free! https:\/\/givebutter.com\/writingthefuture Check out our upcoming events www.baybookfest.org Follow us on instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/baybookfest\/ ","author_name":"Bay Area Book Festival Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.baybookfest.org","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/42056910\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/42056910"}