The Russell Moore Show Sharon Says So on Teaching Civics in an Age of Misinformation
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Feb 11, 2026 
Sharon McMahon, civics teacher and author known as 'America's government teacher.' She explains why so many feel helpless or furious in the public square. She shares how anchoring to the Constitution helps avoid partisanship. She offers tech habits to curb distraction and urges ordinary, steady acts of civic faithfulness.
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How A Viral Civics Teacher Began
- Sharon McMahon began making short videos during the pandemic after seeing widespread Electoral College misinformation online.
- She aimed to create a reusable explainer people could drop into comment threads instead of arguing repeatedly with individuals.
Two Forces Shrinking Civic Literacy
- Civics decline stems from both curriculum priorities and the attention economy of social media.
- Schools deprioritized civics for tested subjects, while social media amplifies misinformation and degrades attention.
Practical Steps To Protect Attention
- Use tools and habits to protect attention: app blockers, a physical 'brick', and scheduled analog activities.
- Gradually increase boredom tolerance by reading and limiting short-form video to reset dopamine regulation.
