Critical Media Studies #109: Rachel Bitecofer -The Whole World Is Getting Dumber (And The Smartphone Did It.)
Dec 26, 2025
Rachel Bitecofer argues that smartphones are a major contributor to declining education metrics worldwide. The hosts question whether banning phones in classrooms will truly solve the problem or if it's just a Band-Aid. They explore how generational differences impact attention and learning, noting that contemporary students and teachers experience distraction uniquely. The discussion highlights the need for engaging lessons that compete with digital distractions and emphasizes the importance of teaching attention-management strategies in an age of constant connectivity.
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PISA Decline Aligns With Smartphone Rise
- The OECD PISA scores for math, reading, and science peak around 2009–2012 and then sharply decline.
- Mike and Barry link that timing to the mass arrival of smartphones and always-on connectivity disrupting attention.
Divided Attention Harms Learning
- Rachel Bitecofer argues the human brain cannot learn under constant interruption and divided attention.
- Barry and Mike accept that sustained divided attention undermines learning and ties it to smartphone-driven multitasking.
Personal Classroom Observations
- Mike describes his family involvement in schools and notes many teachers are around 30 years old.
- He observes younger teachers handle distraction differently because they grew up with digital habits.