Kids and AI use get blamed for a lot these days, but Dr. Michelle Sengara says the panic sounds a lot like every panic before it, from video games to the calculator to electricity itself. She questions whether what looks like a loss of critical thinking right now might actually be a skill nobody has learned to measure yet.

Screen time numbers get treated as solid proof something is wrong, and Michelle argues the metric barely holds up under its own assumptions. A student can sit through an entire video without absorbing a single idea, and the dashboard would never know the difference. She lays out what she thinks should replace the number entirely.

A group of students found a workaround hidden inside a Google Doc test during remote learning, reading the source code to see answers meant to stay buried. Michelle says what happened next says less about kids cheating and more about a system that was never built to survive being looked at closely.

Topics: kids and AI learning, screen time myths, cognitive development, education systems, habit formation

GUEST: Dr. Michelle Sengara | @‌michellesengara

Originally aired on 2026-08-25

Kids and AI use get blamed for a lot these days, but Dr. Michelle Sengara says the panic sounds a lot like every panic before it, from video games to the calculator to electricity itself. She questions whether what looks like a loss of critical thinking right now might actually be a skill nobody has learned to measure yet.
Screen time numbers get treated as solid proof something is wrong, and Michelle argues the metric barely holds up under its own assumptions. A student can sit through an entire video without absorbing a single idea, and the dashboard would never know the difference. She lays out what she thinks should replace the number entirely.
A group of students found a workaround hidden inside a Google Doc test during remote learning, reading the source code to see answers meant to stay buried. Michelle says what happened next says less about kids cheating and more about a system that was never built to survive being looked at closely.
Topics: kids and AI learning, screen time myths, cognitive development, education systems, habit formation
GUEST: Dr. Michelle Sengara | @&zwnj;michellesengara
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-25

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.