Is Big Tech the New Big Tobacco?

If you’re a human with a phone in 2026, you know how addicting social media can be. Most of us struggle to keep from scrolling too much. I mean…all those doggy reels are just hilarious! Now imagine how hard it is for vulnerable young brains to keep from getting hooked? New lawsuits against the social media giants are confirming what so many of us parents have been saying for years. Big Tech companies have known how dangerous their “just keep scrolling” algorithms are for kids, but they’ve chosen lining their pockets over keeping our kids safe. Of course “their kids” are protected. Did you know that many Silicon Valley giants don’t give their own kids phones until 16? On the podcast this week, I’m talking to Free Press reporters, Maya Sulkin and Frannie Block, authors of the article Is Social Media The New Big Tobacco , about the harmful effects of social media and how brave families are stepping up to hold Big Tech accountable for targeting our kids. Something clicked while listening? We’d love to talk with you if you want to dig deeper into your family’s specific situation. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start knowing what works, it might be worth a conversation. Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: About Randi Rubenstein Randi Rubenstein coaches parents raising strong-willed kids. Randi searched endlessly to find the magical resource that would help her own highly sensitive, strong-willed child. (He’s now in his 20’s, healthy and happy-ish:). She’s been passionate about helping other “cycle-breaker” parents like herself for almost two decades. Randi’s Web and Social Links Website: Facebook: Instagram: About Maya Sulkin and Frannie Block Maya Sulkin is a reporter for The Free Press, covering breaking news, politics, education, Gen Z, and culture. Before that, she served as the company's Chief of Staff. Frannie Block is an investigative reporter at The Free Press, where she covers the forces shaping American life—from foreign influence in U.S. politics and national security to institutional overreach and due process failures. She began her career covering breaking news at The Des Moines Register. Guest Links Article Is Social Media The New Big Tobacco? Maya Sulkin Frannie Block Resources Discussed/Links Our 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! Live assessment:

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Is Big Tech the New Big Tobacco? is an episode from Mastermind Parenting Podcast by Randi Rubenstein.

This episode is 40:06 long.

This episode was published on Mar 19, 2026.

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