Artists, authors and scholars Kathryn Jezer-Morton, Hannah Zeavin and Sophie Hamacher join writer and curator Rea McNamara to discuss the intersection of parenting and technology that has shifted our collective understanding of modern motherhood.

Millennial moms face many new challenges tied to techno-parenting, from the commodification of motherhood via "momfluencers" to the ethical implications of parental surveillance alongside the unattainable health and beauty standards circulated on social platforms like Instagram and Tiktok. Yet, for a generation reared on "oversharing," the confluence of digital selfhood with the labour of mothering has led to the demystification of previously unspoken reproductive struggles, like postpartum depression and pregnancy loss. In making public the nitty gritty of maternal caretaking and responsibility, there is the possibility of being unapologetic about the everyday mess that is our homes and lives when one is an #OverwhelmedMom.

Kathryn, Hannah, Sophie and host Rea come together in this special panel conversation to interrogate the role of technology in both supporting and harming new parents.

About this event's guests:

Hannah Zeavin  
Sophie Hamacher  
Kathryn Jezer-Morton
Rea McNamara

Supervision: On Motherhood and Surveillance
The Distance Cure: A History of Teletherapy

This event is part of our On Civil Society series where we host local and international authors, activists and academics in conversation about the most critical topics of our time. Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

#OverwhelmedMom: Mothering in The Digital Age