Reclaiming Young Minds: Supporting Australia’s Bold Ban on Social Media for U16s

From ‘Brain Rot’ to Cognitive Growth — Addressing the Addictive Design of Social Platforms

This article creates a priority date for the claim of Copyright for the phrase Cognitive Impact Content© (CIC), December 4th 2024, Sydney, Australia

Listen to the Deep-Dive Podcast.

TL;DR:

The article explores the negative impact of social media on young people’s cognitive development, emphasizing how platforms designed for instant ego gratification foster addiction and discourage deep thinking. It supports Australia’s decision to ban social media for under-16s as a progressive step toward protecting youth from these detrimental effects.

Reflecting on the philosophies of Nietzsche and Joseph Campbell, the author highlights the importance of critical thinking and personal growth, contrasting it with the superficial validation cycles perpetuated by social media. The term “brain rot” describes the cognitive decline resulting from overconsumption of trivial online content.

The article advocates for responsible digital design and adult role modelling to guide young people toward more intellectually engaging activities. It calls for AI mechanisms to indicate content with positive cognitive impact, helping users make informed choices that stimulate critical thinking. Ultimately, it urges a cultural shift from addictive, shallow engagement toward fostering environments that value depth, meaningful connections, and intellectual development.

Article

I’ve often observed friends and acquaintances scrolling through social media feeds, watching as they accumulate likes, comments, and shares with seemingly little effort. It’s astonishing how, with just a few taps on a screen, one can receive immediate validation from hundreds or thousands of people. This phenomenon of instant ego gratification has become a defining feature of our digital age, particularly among young people.

The allure is undeniable. Unlike traditional avenues of recognition — such as excelling in sports, mastering a musical instrument, or achieving academic success — social media doesn’t demand years of dedication or intense effort. A witty tweet, a captivating photo, or a viral dance video can catapult someone into the spotlight overnight. The barriers to entry are virtually nonexistent, making the pursuit of online fame accessible to anyone with a smartphone.

This ease of access creates a powerful and addictive cycle. Each notification — a new like, a comment, a follower — triggers a surge of dopamine, reinforcing the behaviour and compelling users to seek more. The gratification is immediate and quantifiable, with numbers that visibly tick upward, providing tangible proof of popularity or influence. It’s an adrenaline rush that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

As I’ve reflected on this trend, despite not using any form of social media, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the cost of such effortless validation. Through observation, it’s evident that social media behaviour often typifies an addiction. There are, of course, many forms of addiction, but “social media addiction” is particularly concerning because it removes the need to think — or at least to think deeply. This is not just a passing trend; it’s a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action.

This realisation brings me to a disconcerting conclusion: social media platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive, distracting, and cognitively shallow. The very architecture of these platforms — endless scrolling feeds, algorithmically tailored content, and instant notifications — is engineered to capture and hold our attention. By exploiting psychological vulnerabilities, these platforms encourage habitual use and superficial engagement. In their relentless pursuit of profit, social media companies have demonstrated a monumental disregard for young people’s cognitive development and well-being, prioritising engagement metrics and advertising revenue over meaningful content and intellectual growth.

I’m raising significant concerns about the impact of social media on individual egos and collective critical thinking. The metaphor of social media uplifting “a billion infantile egos to a God-like experience” highlights how online platforms can amplify self-importance and create echo chambers that reinforce personal beliefs without challenge.

Reflecting on the works of Nietzsche and Joseph Campbell, I’ve come to appreciate how their philosophies shed light on this phenomenon. Both philosophers emphasise the necessity of self-critique and dismantling outdated belief systems to achieve true individuation and intellectual independence. Nietzsche’s idea of exposing ideology to “the sacrificial fires of truth” suggests that unexamined beliefs — like unchecked egos — can hinder personal and societal growth.

In the context of social media, this means that without critical reflection, individuals may become ensnared in superficial validation cycles. The “sacred altar of critical thinking” is undermined when people prioritise likes and followers over genuine understanding and self-improvement. The phenomenon of influencers acting as modern-day deities with devoted followings can be seen as a distortion of the traditional mythological hero’s journey, where the goal is personal transformation rather than external adulation.

Recently, the term “brain rot” has gained traction, encapsulating this phenomenon perfectly. Defined as the deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state due to overconsumption of trivial or unchallenging online content, “brain rot” isn’t new. Henry David Thoreau used it back in 1854 when he wrote, “While England endeavours to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavour to cure the brain rot, which prevails so much more widely and fatally?” Today, “brain rot” resonates with younger generations, who often use it to describe the numbing effect of endless scrolling through social media feeds.

Recognising “brain rot” as a cultural concept underscores a growing awareness of the potential negative impacts of excessive social media engagement. It highlights how constant exposure to superficial content can hinder critical thinking and personal development, leading to cognitive decline. This aligns with concerns about how social media addiction fosters ego fixation and detracts from essential character-building activities that require time, effort, and intellectual engagement.

Contrast Social Media with AI’s Impact on Cognitive Engagement

Now, let’s contrast the impact of Social Media on young minds with the potential of AI to revolutionise cognitive engagement. Think of AI as an intern. Go in with the expectation that you will have to work with the technology for it to be valuable to you. Internalize that its first attempt may not be the best. Be intentional about how much direction you give it — more for a specific deliverable, less for an open-ended brainstorm. Make notes about what you liked in the AI response and what you didn’t — articulating your feedback to the LLM goes a long way.

Like any good intern, AI’s most significant value lies in our willingness to engage with the technology — in the space between what it offers and what can be accomplished through collaboration.

Global Responses to Social Media’s Impact

Recently, some governments have taken steps to address these concerns. This week, the Australian Government took a giant step in the right direction, creating the potential for a cognitively engaged population. This proactive approach from a Western Democratic government is a reassuring sign of the collective efforts to improve digital engagement.

Australia banned children under 16 from accessing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The aim is to protect the mental health and well-being of children from detrimental effects such as online hate, bullying, and the addictive nature of these platforms.

This policy isn’t just about restricting access; it’s a call to rethink how we design digital experiences for young people outside the reach of algorithms designed to maximise engagement at any cost. Without social media as mediators, digital services must adapt to a new landscape where personalisation and engagement don’t rely on exploiting user data or addictive design practices.

The Need for Responsible Design

The absence of social media in young people’s lives presents an opportunity to:

• Redefine Personalisation: Offering relevant content without invading users’ privacy or relying on social media data.
• Encourage Healthy Disconnection: Designing experiences that complement offline life rather than compete with it.
• Emphasise Ethical Innovation: Moving away from addictive practices and creating safe, educational experiences that respect boundaries and promote well-being.

We need to rethink our priorities as creators of digital experiences. It’s no longer about “engaging at all costs.” Instead, it’s about fostering environments that support intellectual development and genuine connection.

Role Modeling by Adults

One of the most impactful strategies is for adults to demonstrate behaviour that prioritises intellectual development over seeking quick dopamine hits. By opting out of social media or using it mindfully, adults can set a powerful example for younger generations. When adults engage in activities that require deep thinking, sustained effort, and critical analysis, they showcase the value of these pursuits.

Adults can:

• Demonstrate Intellectual Engagement: Pursue hobbies and interests that involve learning and growth, such as reading, writing, arts, or scientific exploration.
• Limit Social Media Use: Show that life is fulfilling without constant engagement on social platforms, emphasising real-world connections and experiences.
• Share Experiences: Talk openly about the satisfaction of achieving long-term goals and overcoming challenges.
• Create Tech-Free Zones: Establish environments where technology is set aside for face-to-face interactions, discussions, and activities.

By embodying these behaviours, adults can influence young people to recognise the limitations of instant gratification and appreciate the rewards of dedicated effort.

Promoting Critical Thinking and Self-Reflection

In addition to role modelling, incorporating digital literacy and media education into curricula is crucial. Understanding how social media platforms are designed to capture attention helps young people become more critical consumers of digital content. Discussing the psychological impact of social media use — highlighting risks like addiction and how instant gratification affects brain chemistry — can motivate them to reflect on their habits.

Providing Opportunities for Real-World Engagement

Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, or community service offers tangible rewards for effort and helps build skills that require dedication and practice. Supporting skill development through workshops and clubs allows young people to explore interests that demand sustained effort, providing a sense of progression and accomplishment.

Integrating Character Education into Schools

Teaching core principles like perseverance, integrity, empathy, and responsibility helps build a foundation for character development. Recognising effort and progress, not just achievements, fosters a growth mindset culture where challenges are seen as growth opportunities.

Addressing Underlying Needs

Understanding the desire for validation and providing psychological support can help those who rely heavily on social media for self-esteem. Teaching that self-worth comes from within and through personal accomplishments rather than external approval can shift perspectives.

We Need a Way to Indicate Cognitive Impact Content (CIC)

Despite these efforts, a significant challenge remains: consumers of content, especially young people, often need a guide to the extent that what they consume might trigger their cognitive processes. Young people may be blind to the concept of cognitive excitement, happily consuming content that requires little thought.

To address this, we need a mechanism to indicate the cognitive impact of online content. A CIC rating system or indicator that highlights content with positive cognitive impact could guide young people toward thought-provoking material, and they’ll be empowered to make more informed choices about what they consume, fostering an appreciation for content that stimulates critical thinking and intellectual engagement.

CIC could serve as a beacon, pointing users toward enriching experiences and away from the endless loop of superficial gratification. By making the cognitive value of content visible, we encourage creators and consumers to prioritise depth and substance over immediacy and triviality.

Designing a Healthier Digital Future

Government actions like Australia’s ban on social media for those under 16 are not steps backward; they’re progress. They present an opportunity to rethink digital design and embrace more ethical and inclusive practices. If this wave reaches other countries, we should be ready — not just prepared, but leading the way toward a more responsible and healthier digital future.

This includes:

• Abandoning Addictive Design Practices: Moving away from interfaces designed to maximise screen time and engagement at the expense of well-being.
• Making Privacy a Foundation: Designing experiences without relying on sensitive data or excessive collection.
• Promoting Digital Education: Teaching young people good habits at home, in schools, and within their communities.

By emphasising the significant impact that adults can have through their behaviour and advocating for responsible design, we highlight essential components in addressing the issue of instant ego gratification. When we prioritise intellectual development and model a balanced or minimal use of social media, we provide tangible examples for young people to follow.

This approach reinforces the idea that overcoming challenges and dedicating oneself to meaningful pursuits leads to genuine self-esteem and personal growth. It moves the conversation beyond merely advising young people on what they should do to demonstrating through action how fulfilling life can be when it’s not centred around instant validation.

Ultimately, addressing the issue of instant ego gratification with minimal effort is about cultivating awareness and offering alternatives. By recognising the allure of “brain rot” and its impact and by introducing mechanisms to highlight cognitively impactful content, we can take steps toward fostering a culture that values depth over immediacy and substance over superficiality. This shift can help us all, young and old alike, to find more meaningful paths to fulfilment and personal growth.

From my observations, social media addiction is particularly concerning because it diminishes the need for deep thinking. It encourages a passive consumption of information rather than active engagement and critical analysis. By challenging ourselves and others to step back from the constant barrage of trivial content and providing tools to guide us toward enriching material, we open the door to richer experiences and more profound intellectual and personal development.

Harnessing AI for Cognitive Engagement

An innovative approach to addressing these challenges involves leveraging artificial intelligence to promote cognitively engaging experiences. Instead of AI algorithms that prioritise content based on a user’s history of clicks — which often leads to a cycle of superficial and similar content — we can develop AI systems that understand the context and substance of content to enhance intellectual engagement. By analysing the depth, educational value, and potential for critical thinking within content, AI can curate recommendations encouraging users to explore ideas that stimulate their minds.

This shift from algorithms designed solely for maximising engagement to those prioritising cognitive impact represents a meaningful step toward enriching the digital experience. By utilising AI to present content that challenges users intellectually, we move away from the shallow validation of endless scrolling and toward a model that fosters deep thinking and learning. This approach counters the adverse effects of content designed for quick consumption and aligns with the crucial goal of promoting intellectual development and critical thinking among young people.

By incorporating these perspectives and recent developments into our understanding, we emphasise the importance of addressing vital issues proactively. Empowering young people with knowledge and skills will benefit them individually and contribute to a more thoughtful and engaged society.

This article creates a priority date for the claim of Copyright for the phrase Cognitive Impact Content© (CIC), December 4th 2024, Sydney, Australia

About the author: Greg Twemlow, Founder of XperientialAI©.

Greg Twemlow, Founder of XperientialAI©.

Greg Twemlow: Sharing what I’ve learned from my career of 35 years as a citizen of the world, parent, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and CEO of XperientialAI, focused on experiential learning for maximum impact with AI. Contact Greg: greg@xperiential.ai