TL;DR: Algorithms on platforms like TikTok and YouTube are designed to keep kids watching by feeding them more of what they already like. While this sounds convenient, it creates "information bubbles" where kids only see one side of a story or one type of content (looking at you, endless Skibidi Toilet loops). To burst the bubble, we need to introduce "algorithmic hygiene" and tools that prioritize diverse perspectives.
Quick Links for Bubble-Bursting:
- For News & Perspectives: Ground News
- For Critical Thinking: Orwell
- For High-Quality Science: Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
- For Media Literacy: Common Sense Media
If you’ve spent more than five minutes looking over your kid’s shoulder while they’re on their phone, you’ve probably noticed something weird. Their feed—whether it’s the TikTok "For You Page" (FYP) or YouTube Shorts—is incredibly repetitive. If they liked one video of a guy doing a "bottle flip" in 2024, suddenly their entire digital existence is bottle flips.
In parent-speak, we call this "getting stuck in a niche." In tech-speak, it’s an information bubble or an echo chamber. And while it’s annoying to hear the same three-second audio clip 50 times an hour, the deeper issue is that these algorithms are effectively closing the blinds on the rest of the world.
Think of an algorithm as a very eager, slightly obsessive personal assistant. Its only job is to keep your kid on the app for as long as possible so the platform can show them ads.
The assistant notices, "Oh, Timmy watched a video about why Minecraft is better than Roblox. I will now show him only videos about why Roblox is terrible."
Within a week, Timmy doesn't just prefer Minecraft; he’s convinced that Roblox is a glitchy wasteland for "noobs" and that everyone agrees with him. He’s in a bubble. He isn't seeing the creative entrepreneurship side of Roblox or the cool game design elements. He’s only seeing what the "assistant" thinks will keep him clicking.
Learn more about how algorithms shape your child's worldview
We joke about "brain rot" and kids saying things are "so Ohio" (which apparently just means weird or cringey now—don't ask, the internet is a fever dream), but information bubbles have real-world consequences:
- Polarization: Kids start to think there are only two sides to every issue: their side and the "wrong" side.
- Lack of Empathy: If you never see stories about people who live differently than you, it’s hard to develop a global perspective.
- Susceptibility to Misinformation: If a kid is in a bubble that prizes "alpha male" content or conspiracy theories, the algorithm will keep pushing them deeper down that rabbit hole because that's what generates "engagement."
You don't have to ban the apps entirely (unless that's your vibe, no judgment here), but you can introduce tools that force the windows open.
This is a must-have for teens. Ground News doesn't just tell you the news; it shows you who is reporting it and what the "blind spots" are for different political leanings. It’s a literal bubble-burster.
If your kid is going to spend time on YouTube, point them toward Kurzgesagt. The animation is beautiful, but more importantly, they tackle complex topics—from climate change to biology—with nuance and a focus on scientific fact rather than clickbait outrage.
For older kids (13+), Orwell is a fantastic way to teach media literacy. They play as a government operative snooping through digital files. It sounds dark, but it brilliantly illustrates how easy it is to take information out of context and create a false narrative.
Sometimes the best way to talk about information bubbles is through a classic. The Giver is the ultimate "bursting the bubble" story. It’s a great conversation starter about what happens when a society decides to "filter" out the uncomfortable parts of reality.
You can actually "train" an algorithm to be less of a jerk. Here’s how you can help your kids manage their feeds:
- The "Not Interested" Button: Teach them to actually use the "Not Interested" or "Show me less of this" features on TikTok and Instagram. If they see a video that feels like rage-bait or "brain rot," tell them to hit that button immediately.
- Search Diversification: Encourage them to occasionally search for things outside their usual interests. If they only watch gaming, have them search for "cooking" or "space photos." This throws a wrench in the algorithm’s predictability.
- Incognito Browsing: When searching for info on a controversial topic, show them how to use a private window so their previous search history doesn't bias the results.
The most dangerous part of the bubble isn't the first video; it’s the tenth.
Let's say your kid starts by watching a video about fitness on YouTube. The algorithm might then suggest a video about "extreme dieting." Then it might suggest a video from a "lifestyle influencer" who has some pretty toxic views on women.
This is the rabbit hole. Because the algorithm prioritizes watch time, it often pushes more extreme versions of a topic to keep the user's attention.
Pro-tip: If your kid is suddenly using weird slang or expressing intense views you’ve never heard them mention before, it’s time to check the "Watch History." You don't have to be a spy, but you can say, "Hey, I noticed you're talking a lot about [insert weird trend here]. Where are you seeing that?"
If you sit them down for a lecture on "The Socio-Political Implications of Algorithmic Echo Chambers," their eyes will roll so far back they’ll see their own brains.
Try this instead: "Hey, have you noticed that your TikTok is basically the same five people over and over? Do you ever feel like the app is trying to decide what you like for you?"
Make it about autonomy. Kids—especially teens—hate being told what to do. If you frame the algorithm as a giant corporation trying to "hack" their brain to make money, they’re much more likely to rebel against the bubble.
Ask our chatbot for conversation starters about social media
Information bubbles are the "hidden" screen time issue. It’s not just about how long they are online, but how narrow their world becomes while they’re there.
We can't change how TikTok is built, but we can give our kids the "optical zoom" they need to see past the feed. By encouraging them to use tools like Ground News and engage with high-quality content like Kurzgesagt, we’re helping them build a digital world that is a window, not just a mirror.
- Audit the Feed: Spend 10 minutes looking at your kid's FYP with them. Ask them why they think the app showed them those specific videos.
- Install a "Window" App: Download Ground News or a high-quality science app to give them a break from the social feed.
- Reset the Algorithm: If their feed has become truly toxic or boring, show them how to reset their "For You" feed in the TikTok settings. It’s like a digital fresh start.