Legend goes that cellphones were initially not allowed in classrooms. Then smartphones became mainstream. The ban continued until some educators looked at them as potential game changing devices for students, for they held magical software apps within them. 1-to-1 device policies were instituted. Some school divisions even bought devices for those who couldn’t afford one.

At first the masses pushed back, but they were thought to be old school and overlooking the opportunity education had to effectively teach children how to become digital citizens and to use social media properly.

However, these valiant educators did not understand that those tasked with creating this technology were also tasked with increasing profits for their companies. Social media giants sat in board rooms studying how to better increase a user’s attention on their devices, designing their apps to increase a user’s biological chemical balance in Dopamine Labs so they felt more joy and acceptance in the world through their apps.

You could see real-world examples of this by asking students about their Snapchat score or streak. Students became addicted. This word isn’t used lightly — addiction similar to alcoholism. Studies indicated that the digital native generation began to experience unheard of levels on mental health issues.