Play, Build, Code: How Toys Are Quietly Raising A Generation Of Tech Minds

By Tari Johnson-Ayodele

   Growing up, I knew very little about technology, and I wasn’t particularly interested in it either. I fall somewhere between Millennials and Gen Z, a generation that experienced life both before and after the internet became mainstream. As a child, there were no iPads or endless online content. My world was made up of dolls, cooking sets, and imaginative play. I didn’t build with puzzles or explore how things worked. My first real interaction with a computer didn’t happen until high school, and it was only later that my dad got one for me and my siblings.

   Today, that experience looks very different for many children. For them, the first introduction to technology doesn’t begin in a classroom, it starts at home, often through play time. Toys are no longer just about entertainment. They are designed to teach, challenge, and develop skills that go far beyond playtime.

   Coding toys, for example, are becoming increasingly common. Simple robots and beginner friendly apps allow children to give instructions, solve problems, and see how commands translate into action. Without even realizing it, they are learning the logic behind programming.

   Building toys like Lego Technic and puzzles also play an important role. They encourage problem solving, patience, and navigation. Children learn how pieces fit together, how systems work, and how to fix things when they don’t go as planned. These are the same foundational skills used in engineering and other tech driven fields.

   Creativity is also evolving through digital play. With drawing apps and beginner game creation platforms, children are no longer just consuming content, they are creating it. This shift builds confidence and introduces them to the idea that they can bring their own ideas to life.

   What makes this shift powerful is how early it begins. Many children are becoming comfortable with technology long before formal education introduces it. They are learning how to navigate systems, think logically, and solve problems simply by playing.

   That early exposure matters. When technology feels familiar, it becomes less intimidating. And when it feels less intimidating, children are more likely to explore it further as they grow.

   The toys children interact with today are doing more than keeping them occupied. They are quietly shaping how they think, what they believe they can do, and how they see their place in an increasingly digital world.

Tap, Order, Cook: How Technology Is Changing Our Food Stories

By Tari Johnson-Ayodele

   When I was younger, I avoided the kitchen as much as possible. On Saturdays, while the other girls in the house helped prepare meals with my mum for the week, I would stay in my room, sometimes pretending to have a stomach ache just to get out of it. My aunties would tease me, joking that I would one day have to call my mum just to learn how to boil water. As funny as it sounded to them, it made me feel uncomfortable and pushed me even further away from cooking.

   Years later, when I moved out for my service year and began living alone, that avoidance caught up with me. I had little to no interest in cooking, so I relied heavily on eating out. At first, it felt convenient and even enjoyable, but it quickly became expensive and unsustainable. Everything changed when I came across a simple cooking video online. It looked easy, approachable, and, for the first time, I didn’t feel pressured. That moment marked the beginning of a new relationship with food, one shaped largely by technology.

   Food has always been a central part of daily life, but the way we cook, order, and experience it has changed significantly. Technology is quietly transforming the food space, making it more accessible, efficient, and even enjoyable for people who once felt intimidated by the kitchen. In the past, preparing meals often relied on family recipes, cookbooks, or word of mouth. Today, a quick search or scroll through social media can provide thousands of step by step recipes within seconds. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have turned everyday individuals into home chefs, making cooking feel less like a chore and more like a skill anyone can learn. For many people, including those who once avoided the kitchen, these platforms offer a low-pressure way to start.

   Food delivery services have also changed how people eat. Apps like Glovo, Bolt Food, and Chowdeck allow users to order meals from their favorite restaurants without leaving their homes. While this offers convenience, especially for those with busy schedules, it also highlights the balance technology creates between accessibility and lifestyle choices.

   Technology is also improving how people plan and manage their diets. Mobile apps now help users track calorie intake, create meal plans, and monitor nutritional goals. For individuals focused on fitness or healthier living, these tools provide structure and guidance, making it easier to stay consistent.

   In addition, smart kitchen appliances are becoming more common in modern homes. Devices like air fryers, smart ovens, and digital scales simplify cooking by offering precision and ease. Some appliances can even be controlled through mobile apps, allowing users to cook more efficiently and confidently, even with little prior experience. Restaurants and food businesses are also benefiting from technology. Digital payment systems, online ordering platforms, and customer data tools help businesses serve customers more efficiently and understand their preferences better.

   What once felt intimidating can now be learned with a simple video and a bit of patience. As technology continues to evolve, the kitchen is no longer just a place of obligation, it is becoming a space of discovery, convenience, and exploration.