Screenfarers

The interfaces we interact with are reshaping our minds in ways that are not always in our best interest. Most digital platforms are rife with psychological tricks to maximise ‘time on device,’ because the way free products turn a profit is through advertising. We can see the effects everywhere, especially in children: attention spans dwindle, memories weaken, social skills falter, and instant gratification prevails. Yet there are ways to avoid being caught in the web. By practicing the art of screenfaring, we can move beyond ‘surfing:’ we can chart a safe course, tack to the winds, and evade the attention pirates. By teaching the art of screenfaring, we can ensure that the next generation will do the same. The information and activities in Screenfarers will help you help kids to: • Learn to recognise manipulative tactics • Use digital devices without being used • Protect their mental capacities from atrophy • Take charge of how tech shapes their mind