Correcting language instead of responding to an argument reflects a much deeper hierarchy of superiority — “You don’t need to get all worked up over this.” “You’re too angry for me to understand the point you’re making.” “Calm down.” These phrases are all examples of tone policing, or responding to the presentation of an argument rather than the content of the argument itself. At its best…

The revolution for Black lives will not be televised — but it probably will be tweeted — “This is a movement, not a moment.” While activist Tarana Burke originally said these words in reference to the #MeToo movement that she created, the message is equally relevant in the fight for Black lives. As the media-fueled outrage begins to dissipate, it’s incredibly important to maintain the momentum. …

Internet should a right, not a privilege — In the past few months, nearly everything that can move online has moved online. But not everyone is lucky enough to have fast and secure internet access at home. Plenty of folks have historically relied on libraries, cafés, and other public spaces for their Wi-Fi access. …

Businesses should use the remote work upheaval to finally adopt four-day workweeks — Company-wide remote work — once the dream of only a few companies — has become the new norm for many firms. For employees able to work from home during this crisis, there are far more distractions and challenges during the workday than before. Childcare, homeschooling, housekeeping, and working full-time jobs…

How to help — Nearly everyone in the tech industry, from engineers to designers to CEOs, is better off in this pandemic than those in most other industries. When I say “nearly everyone,” I leave out the contract workers (cleaning staff, shuttle bus drivers, landscapers, café workers, contract engineers on H-1B visas, and so…

I still work in tech, but I’ll never go back to the Valley — I spent the summer of 2016 as a Google intern, working in Mountain View and living in San Francisco. It was my second summer working for Google. …

Older folks are poorly represented in tech — and it shows in its designs — It’s becoming increasingly popular for tech companies to design for accessibility when it comes to disabled users. There are intro to web accessibility lists all over the internet. The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) has easy-to-follow tips for getting started with accessible design and accessible development. Google is just one example…

Why I think social media can be good for your mental health if you curate your communities — An increase in the use of social media directly corresponds to a decrease in overall mental health and well-being, according to a number of studies conducted in the past 10 years. This seems to be particularly true for teens. One study from 2013 suggests Facebook may erode subjective well-being, or…

Tech hubs are becoming less diverse as they get more expensive — Tech companies embraced the diversity train in a very public manner in 2014, when the release of the first diversity reports set off a wave of calls for change. Arguably, not much has changed in the last five years. The percentages of racial minorities in technical positions have hardly budged…