Ditching Digital Junk Food for a Healthier Mind

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Ditching Digital Junk Food for a Healthier Mind

April 9, 2026,

1:35 p.m. ET

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Christoph Niemann

To the Editor:

Re “

Stop Filling Your Mind With Digital Doritos

,” by Cal Newport (Opinion guest essay, March 29):

As the Australian psychologist who coined the term “digital nutrition” in 2013 to move the conversation around our digital consumption habits beyond crude measures of screen time, I found Mr. Newport’s argument both resonant and reductive.

Yes, some digital content we consume is A.I.-generated “workslop,” with the equivalent of genetically modified ingredients, but it is wrong to imply, as Mr. Newport does, that all TikTok videos are “digital Doritos” or that social media can be understood only through the lens of harm. For many young people, these social media platforms also provide what I call virtual vitamins — connection, creativity, identity, information and support.

Mr. Newport also approvingly notes Australia’s under-16 social media ban, but the ban will not, on its own, create healthier digital habits or stave off brain rot.

Removing digital junk food from the pantry without teaching discernment, self-regulation and digital literacy is like emptying the cupboards and hoping that young people will magically emerge at 16 with a sense of balance and moderation.

The real task is not abstinence until a birthday. Real digital nutrition involves helping children and adults alike understand persuasive design, algorithms, social dynamics and content quality so they can consume technology with intention and intelligence, not secrecy.

Jocelyn Brewer

Sydney, Australia

To the Editor:

I plan to give Cal Newport’s essay to my grandchildren to read — hopefully without distractions from their phones.

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