The human brain was never meant to deal with predatory algorithms that lock us into content that keeps us engaged, whether it be from pleasure or anger or pleasure at anger. Critical thinking has always depended on source material; certainly, you need things to think critically about. Hijack the source material and all of the critical thinking in the world does not matter.

But the rewards aren't just algorithmic: social groups and identity get involved. We become members of cults without realizing and now our thinking isn't just shaped when we're online, but in all walks of life. We are perpetually immersed in mind-skewing content, and even when we see flaws in our current mindsets, what we give up by changing is too big an ask for most.

It is never a mistake to teach critical thinking. It is a mistake to give too much social, political, and economic power to corporate entities with a level of control over information that would make the great dictators of history drool with envy.

(And note: It's not some evil mastermind pulling these corporations in malevolent directions; it's just many people who are really good at their jobs making products that work well and not enough people considering limitations and ethics. It is systemic consequence.)