The Controversial Rise of ‘The Digital Delusion’

Parents are distributing copies of Jared Cooney Horvath’s book at school board meetings. Administrators are relying on it for guidance on reducing technology use in schools. Actor Hugh Grant has promoted the book, even contributing a blurb for the cover. Almost overnight, Horvath transitioned from an unknown educational consultant to a key figure in the movement to limit screen time in schools. His self-published book, The Digital Delusion, is at the center of this change.

Released last December, the book argues the decline in standardized test scores among American children is linked to schools supplying each child with a laptop or tablet. Citing academic research, Horvath claims students learn more effectively on paper and through discussion, and that schools are harming children by relying on screens.

Since the book’s publication, Horvath has testified before the U.S. Senate and state legislatures as more states consider screen time limits in schools. Parent groups across the country host him in webinars, seeking advice on advocating for a return to printed textbooks. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, recognized him as a “leading researcher” in a speech promoting school technology restrictions.

“There’s no way in hell my book has this big of an impact,” Horvath said. “So my thought is it was there, it was fomenting, it was always about to happen. It’s just people needed the arguments, and I think that’s probably where the book kind of slid in and just said, ‘Here’s the word you’ve been looking for.’”

For parents and educators advocating for educational technology limitations, the book offers compelling statistics and sources to persuade others. Jodi Carreon, a San Diego mother and national director of Schools Beyond Screens, said having a book written by someone with an education and neuroscience background lends credibility to the parents’ concerns.

Granville County Public Schools administrators in North Carolina read the book when beginning a “tech-free” experiment, eliminating laptop use two days a week. California mother Julie Frumin distributed copies of the book to school board members at a meeting, pushing for technology restrictions.

However, for leaders of longstanding education organizations and technology advocates, the book presents challenges. School administrators find themselves unprepared for parents pushing for policy changes. This has led to debates ranging from LinkedIn comments to school board meetings, as well as webinars to help administrators address Horvath’s claims.

Richard Culatta, the CEO of ISTE+ASCD, noted schools had gone on major spending sprees for devices during the pandemic without sufficient vetting. However, he criticized the book for wasting time by incorrectly linking declining test scores to educational technology.

The book challenges the notion that education is “broken,” asserting that education technology has disrupted American schools by promoting distracting multimedia for learning. Horvath argues that technology customization has been ineffective and even says AI won’t improve this situation.

Horvath highlights data showing students using computers extensively score lower on standardized tests, arguing schools should invest in air conditioning instead of tech. He states if he managed a school, he would rely on textbooks and traditional methods rather than digital tools.

The book echoes think tank policy briefs showing the benefits of paper books and handwriting over screens. Horvath’s educational background includes a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Melbourne. He has also written extensively about the brain’s function in learning processes.

The book idea emerged after Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, which influenced laws restricting smartphones in schools. Horvath sees educational technology as the next debate topic, following the successful pushback against cellphone use.

Though initially receiving limited media attention, Horvath’s book gained traction after his Senate testimony, which attracted millions of views online. Harmony Books will republish it under Penguin Random House.

Critics argue Horvath oversimplifies by lumping various educational technologies together and not considering evidence for their moderate use. Whereas the OECD found that using computers moderately improved learning, Horvath stands by his position, attributing those findings to pandemic disruptions.

The book has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a catalyst for ed tech concerns, while others criticize its broad conclusions. Horvath plans to address criticisms in an expanded edition, acknowledging some educational technology shows potential benefits.

Now moving to Italy, Horvath plans more books on learning topics, including exploring genius and sharing general learning insights. Although he won’t focus solely on the school tech debate, Horvath believes dedicated parents will continue the discourse.