When Kids Meet Technology: Building Critical Thinkers in a Hyper‑connected World

Kids meet technology long before they meet critical thinking and that gap has real consequences. In this episode, Dr. Manfred Stapff talks to Dr. Annalies Corbin, founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, to examine how young minds can learn to question information, think independently, and thrive in a world that never stops sending signals.  Dr. Manfred sets the stage by highlighting why democracies rely on educated, analytical citizens. Dr. Annalies expands this idea by explaining how today's toddlers are already fluent with digital devices, yet lack the cognitive maturity to judge what's real, reliable, or safe. Together, they break down the gap between early technological literacy and the slower development of critical thinking. Dr. Annalies also explains how these pressures interfere with thoughtful evaluation, and why both adults and children must learn to pause, reflect, and question rather than respond automatically. Give the young minds around you the clarity, curiosity, and confidence they deserve. Tune in the full episode of When Kids Meet Technology: Building Critical Thinkers in a Hyper‑connected World. Dr. Annalies Corbin is the Founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, where she has spent more than 25 years redesigning learning to help young people think critically in a world shaped by rapid technological change. As an applied anthropologist and Adjunct Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, she studies how students navigate information, curiosity, and problem-solving long before they enter the classroom. Her work centers on creating learning environments where questioning, contextual thinking, and real-world application become everyday habits. Through research, community partnerships, and innovative school design, she equips educators and learners to thrive in a hyper-connected world.     Connect with Dr. Annalies Corbin: Website: https://www.pastfoundation.org/annalies-corbin    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalies-corbin-4016121/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/past-foundation/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annalies.corbin  https://www.facebook.com/PastFoundation    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaliescorbin/  https://www.instagram.com/pastfoundation/#   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PASTFoundation Dr. Manfred Stapff is an entrepreneurial biotech and pharmaceutical expert with deep expertise in real-world evidence and clinical research. As a seasoned leader, he brings decades of experience across all phases of drug development, from opportunity assessment to product launch. His work bridges science and strategy, ensuring medical decisions are grounded in accurate, meaningful data. Dr. Stapff is also an author, committed to promoting evidence-based thinking in medicine. His insights challenge misinformation and advocate for scientific integrity in today's data-driven world. Connect with Dr. Manfred Stapff, MD: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manfredstapff/