Parents, beware! Your children are in danger of getting hooked on “digital cocaine” if they aren’t already, according to a leading expert on the threats posed by brain-warping technologies engineered to get them addicted.
In a compelling installment of The Liberty Report with Alex Newman, technology and computer-science expert Brad Huddleston, shined the light on growing concerns surrounding screen addiction in modern society. Known internationally for his insights on the intersection of technology and spirituality, Huddleston brings a critical, biblically grounded perspective to this urgent issue affecting families globally.
During the interview, Huddleston, who holds a degree in computer science and a diploma in biblical studies, offered a stark exploration of the consequences linked to excessive screen use among children. Describing the phenomenon as a “pandemic,” he pointed out, that for young children, limiting their social media is not enough–they need to be off altogether.
Huddleston’s research, notably captured in his books “Digital Rehab” and “Digital Cocaine,” underscores the neurological similarities between digital addiction and substance dependency. He emphasized, “When you look at the brain scans of a digital addict or a screen addict, and you look at the brain scans of a cocaine addict, those brain scans are very similar, and it can also be very similar to heroin.” This revelation is crucial as it frames digital addiction as a neurological issue, not merely a disciplinary one.
The conversation also tackled the implications of screen dependency within educational environments. Huddleston expressed concern about the education system’s increasing reliance on technology, articulating, “Schools, in my experience, I’m in them all the time. They’re very reasonable when I make recommendations like stay away from gamified apps and things like that.” He warned of the addictive design embedded in educational tools, stressing the broader consequence on children’s cognitive and moral development.
On the home front, Huddleston advocated for practical measures to curb digital overexposure, advising parents to remove technology from bedrooms and setting strict limits on pre-school screen time. He passionately articulated that “children are no longer interested in things like our US Constitution; what’s going to happen to our country,” advocating for a digital detox to restore children’s attention to substantive and spiritual matters.
Furthermore, Huddleston’s integration into numerous global discourses fortifies his argument that technological addiction transcends borders, impacting cultures worldwide. His recent experiences in countries like Australia and South Africa serve as a testament to this global challenge. Through his international lens, Huddleston continues to call for decisive action from parents and policymakers alike.
The Liberty Report remains committed to examining these pressing issues, providing its audience with expert insights and strategies to address the challenges posed by our digital age.
Watch the full interview below:
