How Some Use “Enshittification” to Sway Parents & Caregivers
- The White Hatter
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Why do alarming tech statistics about youth and teens spread faster than balanced research? Why do worst-case scenarios feel more believable than everyday realities? The answer lies in a strategy called “enshittification”, a form of academic misconduct, and it’s quietly shaping how parents think about youth, devices, and social media.
“Enshittification”, A term coined by Cory Doctorow, and listed in the Merriam-Wester dictionary, describes a cognitive strategy where an individual or group pushes overwhelming information clutter and manipulative content, which is often used to advance a political agenda over a good evidence based research approach. It often shows up as repeated, simplified narratives that are easier to believe than complex truths. When repeated often enough, often called flooding the zone, these messages start to feel like fact, even if they are not backed by strong evidence.
Some who promote a “delay is the way” philosophy, the idea that the best strategy is to postpone youth and teen access to devices and social media for as long as possible are, with increasing frequency, leaning on this tactic. Here are some ways we have witnesses where enshittification is used to shape the conversation.
1. Repeating Cherry-Picked Data
You will often see one or two alarming statistics repeated again and again, without context or balance. For example, a single small study showing a link between screen time and depression might be circulated endlessly, while larger reviews that find mixed or neutral results are ignored. A good example, the contextually exaggerated statistic that 40%+ students are accessing pornography during school hours (1) The repetition gives the impression of scientific certainty, when the full picture is far more complex.
2. Turning Correlation Into Causation
When two things rise at the same time, say, teen anxiety and social media use, the assumption becomes that one caused the other. This is repeated until it feels true, even though researchers point to many other contributing factors, such as economic stress, academic pressure, or global uncertainty. (2)
3. Amplifying the Worst Stories
Stories of online exploitation or tragic outcomes are real and important, but when they dominate the discussion, they drown out the majority experience. Most teens use technology in positive ways, learning, creating, connecting, but those stories don’t spread as quickly as the most frightening ones. (3)
4. Leaning on Fear-Based Messaging
Fear is persuasive. The “delay” narrative often relies on worst-case scenarios, addiction, predators, sextortion, or suicide, as if these are the most likely outcomes of tech use. By saturating parents and caregivers with these fears, the conversation shifts from “how do we guide safe use?” to “maybe the only safe option is no use at all.”
5. Offering Over-Simplified Solutions
“Just delay” is presented as a one-size-fits-all fix. This overlooks the reality that every child develops at a different pace, and that readiness depends more on maturity, family context, and parental involvement than age alone. Still, the simplicity of the message makes it appealing in an overwhelming information landscape.
6. Creating Echo Chambers
Parent and caregiver forums, social media groups, and certain media outlets often repeat the same talking points in slightly different ways. Over time, it creates a sense that “everyone knows this to be true,” even when broader research communities and youth perspectives offer a more balanced view. We see this a lot when it comes to what some call the dopamine loop of technology addiction. (4)
7. Discrediting Opposing Voices
Another common tactic is to paint anyone who disagrees with the “delay” message as either uncaring about children or secretly aligned with Big Tech. Experts, educators, and advocates who promote balanced approaches are often dismissed as “talking heads” who don’t really care about keeping youth and teens safe, or accused of being funded by industry, rather than engaged in genuine child protection. This shifts the conversation away from evidence and toward character attacks, making it harder for parents to hear diverse perspectives. (5)(6)
As parents and caregivers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when experts and advocates flood the space with messages about what’s “best” for our kids when it come to their use of technology, the internet, and social media. Recognizing enshittification doesn’t mean dismissing risks, it means pausing to ask:
Is this claim supported by solid, balanced evidence, or just repeated often?
Are we hearing the whole story, including the positives of tech use?
Is this solution realistic for my child, or just appealing because it’s simple?
The onlife world is complex, and so is parenting in it. What youth and teens need isn’t delay at all costs, they need digital literacy education, guidance, boundaries, and adults willing to walk alongside and guide them in their digital journey to adulthood.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
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