Our Summer Reading Contest has been a platform for teenagers worldwide to share their thoughts on New York Times articles for 15 years. This year, students have the option to submit written comments or 90-second video responses for the first time. In the sixth week of our 10-week challenge, we received 1,005 entries, and we have listed the finalists below.
Alex Cox, a 16-year-old from Bethesda, Md., emerged as the winner with his insightful reflection on the article titled “For Older People Who Are Lonely, Is the Solution a Robot Friend?” In his response, Alex raises thought-provoking questions about the value of human connection and the potential drawbacks of relying on artificial friendships, such as those offered by the ElliQ robot. He shares a personal experience of spending quality time with his almost 96-year-old grandfather, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of genuine human interaction and the importance of preserving personal stories and memories.
While Alex’s entry stood out as the winning piece, we also acknowledge the runners-up who shared their perspectives on a diverse range of topics, from wildlife protections to SpaceX’s ambitions. It is evident that young minds are engaged with a variety of pressing issues and are eager to voice their opinions through our contest.
As we continue to receive entries throughout the summer, we encourage students to participate and share their views on the articles that resonate with them. The contest provides a platform for meaningful discussions and reflections on important societal issues, and we look forward to hearing more from the next generation of thinkers and writers.
