Mark Zuckerberg proposes a solution to the loneliness perpetuated by social media: AI friends. We must advance, and shiny new technology will resolve all the issues stemming from outdated tech. Just put your faith in him.
In contrast, Claire Morell’s new book, Technology Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Children and Teens from Their Smartphones, argues otherwise. Her insights resonate with a sentiment expressed by CS Lewis. She believes that children and teens should not be engaged with social media, tablets, smartphones, or video games. While family movies, FaceTime, and closely monitored coding practice are acceptable, these are the exceptions.
If this perspective seems extreme, consider that Morel is a serious professional—she’s a fellow at the Center for Ethics and Public Policy and a former veteran of Attorney General William Barr. Her experiences have exposed her to the national-level harm these technologies can inflict and the criminality spawned by these networks, which enjoy Section 230 protections.
Despite facing criticism, being labeled as luddites and reactionaries, it’s absurd to look at today’s landscape and think “more is needed.” Students are increasingly cheating, college chatbots proliferate, and discussions around sexual content directed at kids are rampant, while AI fuels fantasies that exploit vulnerable users. For many parents, traditional structures like churches, nuclear families, and books are far more beneficial technologies than digital alternatives for their children.
How Social Media Has Evolved
Morell’s book serves as a practical resource for parents concerned about screen time. For those familiar with Jonathan Haidt’s work Anxious Generation, who felt anxious but unsure of their next steps, Technology Exit offers guidance.
Young parents likely recall exacerbating their children’s fear of missing out (FOMO)—watching their genuine friends participate in activities they weren’t invited to. Morell contends that social media has turned into a recommendation system, feeding endless videos tailored to personal preferences and extending time spent on the platform. Beyond fostering comparisons and anxiety, the bigger threat lies in algorithms that ensnare children in sexually explicit, harmful, and violent content.
Chapter 2 outlines how parental controls are often a “myth.” Apple, for instance, took three years to fix X-rated loopholes, while Instagram continues to promote inappropriate content to teens. Clearly, the business model of these companies prioritizes maximizing engagement among the youngest users, often at the expense of parental controls and oversight.
If that sounds cynical, consider the Facebook Files from years ago, which revealed the company was fully aware of the dangers Instagram posed to teenage girls but did nothing to intervene. In fact, TikTok is even worse, with viral apps pushing explicit content onto minors while evading accountability for supervision and parental controls. Moreover, it doesn’t even address the prevalence of predators who engage with minors via direct messages, participating in sextortion rings.
Morell advocates for making decisive choices to protect your child, thereby closing doors on future harm rather than indulging in an endless cycle of temptation.
Too Many Ones, Two Are Not Enough
Morell’s investigation reveals that these technologies are profoundly addictive. She interviewed a doctor witnessing an alarming trend: children developing dry eyes, a condition traditionally seen in seniors. These children were glued to screens for hours without blinking, resulting in ocular health issues. This physician is literally teaching children how to blink again to avoid a lifetime dependence on eye drops.
Morell argues that the dopamine spikes generated by digital technologies are far from innocent, especially for developing brains. It’s akin to fentanyl; while the notion of “addictive” technologies isn’t new, Morell logically extends this idea. Substances that produce dopamine spikes lead to immediate cravings and irritability, always requiring bigger doses for satisfaction. Hence, moderation becomes impossible.
Similarly, kids who spend just 20 minutes a day on Instagram or gaming often develop prolonged habits. Just like addicts focusing solely on acquiring their next fix, these kids obsessively ask, “Who commented on my post? What did I miss? Can I level up before my time is up?”
Even minimal screen use can keep your child mentally captivated all day, detracting from real-world engagement.
So, How Do You Live?
Differing from other technology-focused literature, Morell’s book details how to detach from technology. It includes an extensive appendix with smartphone alternatives and a step-by-step guide for a digital detox. The crux of her approach is to “fast” from the digital realm, empowering children to “feast” on the authentic world around them. Full abstinence enables immersion in hobbies, relationships, and learning, unencumbered by constant online distractions.
Morell encourages parents to seek out like-minded families for support in this “technical exit,” creating a functional subculture instead of allowing their children to become social pariahs. This premise echoes themes in Rod Dreher’s work, Benedict Option. She doesn’t advocate for fleeing into isolation like the Amish but suggests nurturing human virtues and fostering a more humane childhood that emphasizes community and excellence.
Clearly, achieving a complete “technical exit” isn’t easy. Parents battling screaming children or racing against dinner preparations know how tempting digital devices can be. Nonetheless, Morell posits that introducing your child to natural levels of stimulation is beneficial in the long haul.
A child capable of enduring boredom and entertaining themselves is ultimately much more resilient than one who constantly whines for more screen time. Well-regulated self-control in children is one of the best predictors of thriving adulthood.
Two contrasting visions of childhood are emerging: one propagated by Silicon Valley, offering an AI tutor and friend that will elevate your child to a demigod status, and Morell’s vision, which celebrates our essential humanity, created in the image of God. Perhaps these views are too dissimilar. Personally, I resonate strongly with Morell’s perspective.
Technology Exit is set to be released on June 3, 2025.
Source: thefederalist.com