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Learning apps for kids should move away from using badges, points, and levels as primary motivators, as these are seen as superficial and akin to social media hooks. Instead, the design should focus on making the "aha moment" of genuine learning the main reward, fostering deeper engagement and critical thinking.
Whitney Whealdon argues that learning apps shouldn't need prizes and rewards to motivate kids. She remembers reading books as a child just to get free Pizza Hut pizzas, not for the joy of reading. Today's apps use similar tricks—badges, points, levels—that hook kids like social media does, but don't actually help them learn. Real learning feels hard and confusing before it clicks, and that "aha moment" should be the reward itself. https://t.co/FvGpqWcv1G