**The Short Form Contentification of Everything and how it could be good.**

How short-form content and streaks changed our relationship with technology. There are few generations seemingly as lost as today’s youth. In study after study, there is clear evidence that we are the loneliest, most anxious generation. Part of that is because we’ve been drugged by predatory algorithms designed by clinical psychologists working for greedy public companies for the purpose of vying for every second of our attention, whilst still having a brain that hasn’t quite fully been developed. Not to mention, we have parents with no recollection of such dangers, because nothing like it existed in the seemingly archaic past in which they grew up. In short, a modern manifestation of the capitalist system’s externality. If I can’t have your money, then at least give me your time. Want to watch a goofy cat video? Take a look at this ad that we’ve psychologically primed you to respond to.

But here’s the thing: What if this psychological phenomenon of short-form content, of doomscrolling, of dopamine slot machines, can be used for good? Enter Duolingo, the language learning app that uses many of the same psychological tactics to get you hooked on learning. It’s a genius idea: instead of spending those quick 3 minutes waiting for the train or in line at the grocery store, just take a whirl of French with your gamified educational tutor. Then, when the train comes or it’s time to pay for the groceries, you don’t feel as though you’ve wasted those three minutes, but you’ve spent them bettering yourself. After all, you know when to really say ‘merci beaucoup.’

Perhaps I’m being a bit facetious, but Duolingo is a good thing. However, it serves as a starting point rather than an end destination. Even with adequate practice in Duolingo, a language will not come naturally to a person who only practices for three minutes a day. Languages don’t work that way. If you use Duolingo to escape the ire of doomscrolling because of its rather cumbersome effect on your mental health, then by all means keep that little green owl happy. No, seriously, keep him happy, he’s a violent little guy.

But if you expect to walk the rue du Paris speaking the native French tongue as if you were born with a French baguette in one hand, a cigarette in the other, and a passion for Bordeaux Champagne, let me be the one to tell you that that just simply isn’t going to happen.

The same is true, although perhaps not to the same extent, with The Global Citizen App, which alleviates global poverty by addressing issues such as hunger and climate change through its participants signing pledges, taking quizzes, and posting content on their social media accounts. Small things to do each day to retain a streak and earn points that could help you win prizes, from something as small as a sweater to tickets to the annual Global Citizen Music Festival, headlining major singers like Shakira, Cardi B, etc.

Although definitely impactful, I believe it’s a good start to non-profit work, not necessarily an end destination. Now I’m not saying you need to fly to an impoverished country to give life-saving vaccines to malnourished babies in an active war zone, but perhaps doing something actively in your community, like volunteering at a local food bank, or donating to your local goodwill, will be closer to that end destination of giving that’s both realistic and palpably meaningful. Although it is worth noting that there are malnourished babies in need of vaccines in active war zones, and somebody has to provide them with vaccines. Of course, that level of commitment isn’t required of everyone. I, however, commemorate those who do.

All that to say, it was imprudent of me to think that anything on a smartphone could be used as a means for a final destination, whether it be in language learning or non-profit work. I suppose the trend of apps employing the same psychological techniques as social media, but for one’s betterment, has got me greedy for more — that and the fact that the average American spends 4 to 5 hours on their phone a day.

But hey, I’m young and aspirational, you give me an inch and I’ll take a mile in believing that this world can be changed for the better. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, I guess. Whatever your form of self-betterment is, I think it’s good to start in small steps; maybe one of these apps is the pathway to getting you there.

Cited Sources — (clickable links)

TED Talk (Luis Von Ahn) — How to Make Learning as addictive as Social Media

Global Citizen Website