Why Everything You See Online Is Trying to Get Your Attention (Older kids, parents, & teachers)
· 43 min · S3 E25
Episode Why Everything You See Online Is Trying to Get Your Attention (Older kids, parents, & teachers)
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This week, Amber sits down with digital producer and internet culture veteran Matt Silverman for a real talk about algorithms, slop, screen addiction, and why being a little bit skeptical online might be the most important skill a kid can have right now.
Matt has spent decades covering how the internet works — and more importantly, how it works on us. He breaks it all down in a way that actually makes sense, whether you're 10 or your parent is 45.
In this episode:
• Why the internet shifted from connecting people to feeding you content, and who profits from that • What "digital literacy" actually means (hint: it's three questions) • The difference between harmless scrolling and content engineered to manipulate you • What AI-generated "slop" is and why it's getting harder to spot • Why being bored might actually be good for your brain • The screen-free comedy podcast made 100% by humans, for kids
The 3 questions to ask before you like, share, or believe anything online:
• Who made this? • Why did they make it? • Why is this platform showing it to me?
Check out this week's newsletter on Tuesday for a screen-free activity that relates to these three questions.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Matt Silverman • Tales from the Cloud Sea: The completely improvised, screen-free comedy adventure podcast for kids. • Locket: The low-key, non-algorithmic photo-sharing app Matt recommends as a healthier social option for kids.
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Links in the notes 17
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345747/fan_mail/new
- https://aiforkidsweekly.beehiiv.com/
- https://www.camerashymedia.com/
- https://www.talesfromthecloudsea.com/
- https://cybersafetycop.com/locket-app-review-what-parents-need-to-know/
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345747/support
- https://aidigicards.com/store
- https://www.patreon.com/AiDigiTales
- https://amzn.to/4ozvJXI
- https://www.aidigitales.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/aidigitales_aiforkids
- https://amzn.to/4g5f0YT
- https://aidigitales.com/free-ai-for-kids-worksheets
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-for-kids/id1745917083
- https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/52a65387-184c-44b8-8713-fbaebab6a227/ai-for-kids?refMarker=null
- https://open.spotify.com/show/1PiI9lYHKsg62hsBDzvkf0
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpUyNCeH2eFisj1zWZfiSyf_A0v2gbTLR
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