The Algorithm Is Raising Your Teen (And How to Take Back Control)

Mom with phone and son
Mom with phone and son

Let’s face the ugly truth:
You’re not your teen’s main influencer anymore.
Some Silicon Valley algorithm is.
While you’re at work, it’s teaching them:

  • What’s “cool” (TikTok trends)
  • What’s “important” (Instagram likes)
  • What’s “possible” (YouTube millionaires)

I know this battle well. I was the kid who chose rap over college.

TZ
Martin Basile at 15

My Social Media Wake-Up Call

At 19, I realized:

  • My dreams were shaped by rap videos
  • My self-worth depended on Spotify plays
  • My attention span was wrecked by endless scrolling

The worst part? My parents had no idea how deep it went.


3 Ways Big Tech Hijacks Parenting (And How to Fight Back)

Martin Basile
Martin Basile, Gen Z Career and Life Coach

After helping 300+ families, here’s what works:

1. Become the Algorithm
Social media feeds on dopamine hits.
Your home needs better “notifications”:

  • “Sofia, your coding project got 5 stars from Dad!”
  • “Luca, your grandma loved your soccer video!”

2. Hack Their Reward System
When my lyrics got 10 likes, I felt like a star.
Now I teach parents to create real-world achievements:

  • A “skill tree” for life goals
  • Family shoutouts for small wins

3. Compete With Better Stories
Teens scroll because their real life feels boring.
The fix? Help write their hero’s journey:

  • Challenges → “Your mission this month…”
  • Victories → “Remember when you nailed…”

Proof This Isn’t Anti-Tech Fluff

  • Teen client: Turned Fortnite obsession into drone flying business
  • My journey: Failed rapper → Entrepeneur teaching digital wellbeing
  • Parent win: Mum who reclaimed dinner time from Snapchat

Your Move: Stop Complaining, Start Competing

You’re here because:
☑️ Dinner feels like a phone convention
☑️ Their mood swings with follower counts
☑️ You’re losing them to a screen

Book your free 30-minute call now:
👉 Free 30-Min Life Plot Session

We’ll give you:

  1. The 3 key tools to help your teen find direction
  2. goal-setting system they’ll actually follow
  3. Habit hacks to make real life more exciting than reels

Here’s the truth Zuckerberg won’t tell you:
You can’t delete social media – but you can become the most interesting algorithm in their life.

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