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Ep. 211: When ‘Good’ Apps Go Bad episode artwork

Feb 4, 2026 36 min

Ep. 211: When ‘Good’ Apps Go Bad

from Brave Parenting Hosted by Kelly Newcom

Often, apps begin with noble intentions of “connection” or “education.” While they promise to be different, they inevitably resort to classic tactics for maximum engagement: streaks, coins, leaderboards, FOMO, and notifications. In this episode, Kelly uncovers this trend using Duolingo and Zigazoo as examples. This trend of app devolution is important for parents to understand. You may not be able to keep track of every app update, but you know your child, and you can recognize when something has changed. Articles referenced: Brave Parenting Guide to Duolingo Brave Parenting Guide to Zigazoo TED Talk: How to Make Learning as Addictive as Social Media How Machine Learning Supercharged Our Revenue by Millions (Duolingo Blog) Scripture referenced: 1 Thes 5:4-6 1 Thes 5:19-21 1 Peter 5:8 Matt 18:8-9 ⇒ DOWNLOAD: App Evaluation & Test Everything Guide Book a Speaking Event!! Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book: Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated) Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook, with video teachings for small groups. Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s happening without social media – a win for everyone!

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Ep. 211: When ‘Good’ Apps Go Bad

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