Interesting read. The author says its not a rant but it reads as a rant. However it also has a fairly clear and concerning message: attention spans of current students are dire and its down to smart phones.
Some elemenrs of the piece are off though. Laptops in class are essential -its a far better way to take notes than handwriting for many people. But you also have to treat students like adults and trust them - if they want to sit in a class and gamble then thats their problem. While there is some overlap with the phone issue it is different.
There is nothing much the author can do about the main issue than sound the alarm. Social media is designed to give people dopamine hits and be addictive, and were seeing the effects of that addiction permeate through society.
The response to anyone reading that article is to get off their phones. Lock it away when youre in the gym, lock it away when in school or work, leave it in another room when its time to go to bed. Break the addiction.
As long as they're both of an age to consent legally, then yes, absolutely. Not sure what jurisdiction you're in but 16 is age of consent in most places, and they're going to do it if they want to do it. It's far better to treat them like adults, let them be somewhere safe, and teach them that they should not feel shameful or fearful about that part of them. If the age of consent where you are is 18, or Tiffany is not legally of age, then the situation would be quite different and difficult but would have to be no.
That your son is able to be so honest and comfortable with you, and Tiffany with her parents (hopefully!) is a credit to you all. This is an opportunity to encourage him to practice safe sex and also that sex as part of a healthy relationship like this is healthy and valuable in itself (as opposed to sneaking around, and him not able or even bothered to provide a safe space for his girlfriend). It's worth encouraging this attitude that to do this they should be somewhere safe, and comfortable, such as his room in your home. It will also ensure a much better experience for both of them should it be a first time (whether overall or just together).
I would just consider confirming that Tiffany's parents are aware of this and comfortable with this; especially as at 17 are in a grey area socially between being legally adults in many areas but not others. EDIT: As someone else suggests, ask Tiffany to get her parents to call you - so that the ball is in her court.
I would also even consider being out until late so they can have some privacy. I would also set some ground rules such as no drinking or drugs in exchange for this, and no one else in the house while you're out. I totally accept that may not instinctively sit well with you to be out but they're both at the cusp of adulthood and total autonomy (literally months away if your son is 17) and already have autonomy in this decision (unless you're in one of the few places where the age of consent is 18).
This sort of treatment, respect and trust is something your son will remember for the rest of his life.