GMMichael
Guide of Modos
I think it has more to do with which parts of the brain develop and how they develop. Critical thinking and problem-solving makes different connections in the brain than taking in a constant stream of information and reacting to it instantly. I'm not making a value judgement. The latter may be more useful in the world we're living in and going towards.
I'll make the value judgment. Short-burst thinking is wrong.
I do think there's an overreaction on the use of social media. I reckon the vast majority of kids function just fine. And if they overuse social media then it's our failing for not providing them with something that's more interesting than facebooking constantly.
I see you've never been to Arizona. The reason Facebook and Twitter are so popular is exactly because they're so interesting. "Our" fault is not providing something useful for kids.
Ain't that how schools have been working since... a very long time?
This point makes itself.