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@Google said the quiet part out loud in recently revealed internal documents.
They imagine a future where:
“Parents ask their children, ‘Why aren’t you watching more YouTube?’”
“School administrators shift budgets from textbooks to YouTube subscriptions.”
I don’t know a single parent or school asking for this.
Real technology literacy means students understand that platforms like YouTube and Google make money through ads and by maximizing time on platform.
It means understanding how algorithms are designed to capture attention and drive revenue, often at the expense of depth, focus, and well-being.
I’d prefer students spend less time on screens and more time engaging with trusted teachers, classmates, family, and the world around them.
At
@magicschoolai, we believe technology can be a powerful learning tool for students when used purposefully and aligned to clear learning outcomes.
That’s not to say Google hasn’t done good work for schools. It has, and there are many mission-driven people there working hard to support student learning.
But when children’s learning environments are shaped by ad-driven incentives, something fundamental is off.
Full story in the comments.