The Death of Critical Thinking: Restoring Reason in the Age of Distraction

The greatest threat facing us is not artificial intelligence. It's what happens when we stop thinking for ourselves.

We are raising a generation with access to more information than any before in human history—and a diminishing ability to think critically about it. Attention spans are shrinking. Nuance is disappearing. Public discourse is increasingly driven by outrage, certainty, and tribalism rather than curiosity, evidence, and reason. But it's not too late to reclaim the ability to think for ourselves.

In The Death of Critical Thinking, Sarah Prevette exposes the forces driving this decline and offers a practical approach to rebuilding the critical thinking skills essential for the future of education, work, and society. A globally recognized leader in education transformation, Prevette draws from neuroscience, psychology, and learning science to identify the cognitive vulnerabilities that leave us susceptible to misinformation, polarization, and poor judgment.

In today’s world, algorithms compete relentlessly for our attention, misinformation spreads faster than truth, and an endless stream of distractions rewards reaction over reflection. To confront this growing crisis, Prevette introduces Constructive Doubt, a practice built on humility, curiosity, and courage that gives you concrete tools to strengthen focus, protect against manipulation, and think more clearly under pressure.

The ability to think critically shapes how we make decisions, whom we trust, how we engage with opposing viewpoints, and whether we can navigate complexity without retreating into certainty. At a time when our capacity for discernment has never been more important, The Death of Critical Thinking gives you a practical framework to reclaim your mind and make wiser decisions.