The Downfall of Learning in the Digital Age (with neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath)
“This is the first generation in a millennium to be worse off than their parents.”Neuroscientist, educator, and author Jared Cooney Horvath issues a powerful warning: the rapid rise of technology in education is contributing to a sharp decline in intelligence across key metrics—including IQ, memory, critical thinking, creativity, and more. For generations, we've seen steady progress in IQ from one cohort to the next. That upward trajectory ends with Gen Z. The data traces the downturn back to the early/mid 2000s, when technology was first introduced in classrooms. Currently the Director of LME Global, Jared brings cutting-edge brain and behavioral science directly to educators and students. He’s not surprised by the decline, given how the brain is wired to learn. His stance is clear: we’re not meant to learn everything through screens. While screens have a role in teaching digital skills like typing or Excel, they are not a tool for deep learning.When it comes to AI, Jared is equally blunt. Used after expertise is developed, AI can be powerful. But using it in place of learning is a dangerous shortcut—one that the government and EdTech platforms seem all too ready to promote.In this thought-provoking conversation, Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death and Jared unpack the science of learning, the data that challenges the EdTech narrative, and a roadmap for parents and schools to reclaim control. It’s a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of learning or the success of our children.
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Choosing Your Child’s First Phone: What Apple Won’t Tell You (with Titania Jordan of Bark)
In this eye-opening episode of Scrolling 2 Death, host Nicki Petrossi sits down with Titania Jordan of Bark Technologies to unpack the high-stakes decision many parents face: what should your child’s first phone be? From the hidden risks of iPhones to the powerful parental controls offered by alternatives like the Bark phone, they dive into the pressures, misconceptions, and cultural norms driving families toward unsafe choices. Why do so many parents give in to the iPhone hype—and what’s really at stake when they do? This candid conversation exposes how Apple prioritizes privacy over child safety, how peer pressure fuels early tech adoption, and why it’s time for a new standard in kids’ digital wellbeing. If you're a parent wondering what phone is truly safest for your child, this episode is your guide.March 2024 Episode: Safer for kids? iPhone or Bark PhoneThis episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.Learn about the Bark Phone.Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch.
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Parents vs. Big Tech: The Documentary Sparking a Movement (with Perri Peltz and Matthew O'Neill)
We’ve talked about the devastating impact of social media and how tech companies’ “profit over people” mindset has harmed countless families. This powerful new documentary, Can’t Look Away, delivers the wake-up call the world needs: the time for industry reform is now.In this episode of Scrolling 2 Death, host Nicki speaks with Can’t Look Away directors, Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, about what drove them to make the film, what impacted them most, and what they learned. “We thought the dangers of social media were already well known,” they say. “But what we discovered was far worse than we imagined. That’s when we knew this story had to be told."Matthew and Perri also share practical advice for parents on how to help keep kids safe online—insights gained from their deep dive into the world of youth social media use.Based on Olivia Carville’s investigative reporting for Bloomberg, Can’t Look Away follows the Social Media Victims Law Center in its fight for justice on behalf of families devastated by social media’s dark side.Watch the film here.
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Online predators: what every parent needs to know (with Dr. Mary Pulido)
Dr. Mary Pulido, Executive Director of World Childhood Foundation USA, joins Scrolling 2 Death to talk about the evolving fight against child sexual abuse in the digital age.There was a time when parents only worried about their children’s safety while they were out. But now, even at home, danger can reach them through screens. Social media, gaming platforms and chatrooms have become hunting grounds for predators. Even more disturbing, a recent survey revealed that online algorithms are actually creating predators by serving them illicit content before they even seek it out.Tech companies have the power to remove this harmful content, but they continue to avoid accountability. As new threats like AI and deep fakes emerge, it’s more important than ever for parents to take action through education, vigilance, and open communication.Tune in to hear Mary and Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death dive deeper. This episode is a must-listen for anyone raising kids in the digital world.
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What Parents Really Think About Tech in Schools: Survey Results
Over 1,500 parents spoke up — and the results are in. In this episode, Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Petrossi breaks down brand-new national survey data that reveals what parents really think about technology, screen time, and AI in K–12 schools. From overwhelming concerns about excessive screen use and digital safety to a stunning 91% of parents saying they don’t want their kids using AI at school, the findings are impossible to ignore. Nicki covers it all: data privacy, inappropriate content on school-issued devices, and the growing disconnect between parent values and EdTech policy. If you’ve ever felt powerless watching your child glued to a Chromebook or iPad— this episode will inform, empower, and equip you to start changing the conversation at your school.Full survey summary + email template for school outreach available here.
Scrolling 2 Death is a podcast for parents who are worried about social media. Through interviews with parents and experts, we explore smartphone use, screen time, school-issued devices, social media use and so much more.
South Africa