I replaced Spotify with CDs for my 8-year-old. It's one parenting decision I haven't regretted.
A parent shares their decision to switch their 8-year-old daughter from Spotify to physical CDs to avoid exposure to inappropriate content and AI-generated media. The author argues that physical media provides a safer, more controlled environment for children to explore music.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing cultural trend of 'digital detoxing' and a resurgence in physical media sales as parents become increasingly concerned about the safety and quality of algorithmic streaming platforms.
The author introduced the kids to CDs. Courtesy of the author I wanted my 8-year-old to have the freedom to discover music on her own. Spotify exposed her to distracting videos, AI songs, and inappropriate images. I switched her to CDs, where she can choose freely from music I've approved. Lately, I have been filling our home with piles and piles of CDs. I'm not alone: physical media (primarily vinyl, but also CDs) have been on an upward sales trend for the past five years. But unlike vinyl collectors or tastemakers looking for rare albums, I am listening to CDs as a parenting move because of my 8-year-old daughter.
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