The Kid Should See This  • February 1, 2026

🧠 WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Is Brain Rot Real? The science behind attention and short-form videos ➜

I’m a bit late with the newsletter because I spoke about internet safety at a local library this week (and then we paused work on Friday to support our local community during the general strike). A few thoughts on what I shared…

Internet safety means much more than 'stranger danger' in 2026. We’re now defending our faces, voices, and data against unregulated commercial use. We’re trying to maintain our children’s sense of reality as we all learn to spot AI and disinformation. We’re figuring out how to protect their mental health and brain development from the technologies our culture has embraced.

It’s that last challenge that science journalist Joss Fong tackles in the video above, and although it’s essential information for parents and caregivers, it truly applies to anyone who spends time on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Research suggests that these quick-hit videos can shift our brains into a mindless 'autopilot' mode, making it much harder to remember our goals or think critically about what we see.

As I note in the post, the research is still emerging—limited to small samples and lab tasks that don’t yet match everyday life—but the findings are specific. And unsettling.

And though we know a certain amount of addiction has always been part of social media’s deliberate design, Meta and Google are now on trial in California for it. (TikTok settled right before the trial started.)

TKSST was named “The Kid Should See This” to highlight the internet's incredible educational content and to amplify these direct connections with diverse experts and enthusiasts who have helped create a new kind of public media over the last 20 years.

In contrast, the platforms dominating the web today are engineered to resemble a handheld casino. Prioritizing a constant flow of primarily low-quality content, they construct experiences we’re less likely to leave, where every next swipe feels like it might be something exciting. Next. Next. Next.

Watch what the actual science says about "brain rot.” Check it out after the littles go to bed, or watch it on your TV with kids ages 11-12+ and jumpstart a conversation. It’s worth your time. - Rion

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