{
  "id": 14682215,
  "title": "Kids’ Content Is Deeply Broken. A New Platform Wants to Fix It",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/kids-content-is-deeply-broken-a-new-platform-wants-to-fix-it",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-15T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Wired",
    "slug": "wired",
    "url": "https://www.wired.com/story/maka-streaming-platform-for-kids-fighting-against-ai-slop/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The rapidly growing world of children's entertainment on digital platforms is plagued by shallow, hyperstimulating AI-generated content that may not be suitable for young viewers. A new streaming app called Maka is attempting to address these concerns by providing a safer and more enriching alternative for children aged 0 to 6.\n\nMaka has zero ads, no autoplay or endless scrolling, and its algorithms prioritize age-appropriate content over watch time. The platform's CEO and co-founder, Isabel Sheinman, emphasizes the importance of adhering to stringent child development science and children's behavior when creating media for this demographic. Maka's programming slate includes a mix of licensed content from global studios and independent creators, such as Franklin, The Wiggles, Pocoyo, Vida the Vet, and Sesame Street.\n\nEvery episode on Maka is evaluated by child development experts through a framework developed in collaboration with researchers at the Yale Child Study Center. This evaluation examines various aspects of the content, including emotional regulation, kindness, relationships, critical thinking, and language development. The goal is to ensure that the media presented is both entertaining and educational, while also fostering positive child development.\n\nThe rise of AI-generated content has added a new layer of complexity to the already problematic landscape of children's media. Some of this AI-generated content is incoherent, lacks plot, or contains misleading information, often packaged to appear educational. A 2020 study by Common Sense Media found that 75% of YouTube videos watched by young kids had weak or no educational value, and children frequently encountered ads or content intended for older audiences.\n\nIn response to these issues, the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidance to include warnings about AI-generated content, short-form videos, and highly sensationalized or clickbait content. The organization emphasizes the importance of quality content and the value of coviewing with parents, rather than passive watching.\n\nMaka's success hinges on its ability to offer entertaining and educational content that is vetted by child development experts, giving parents confidence that the material is suitable for their children. The platform's founder, Tanyella Leta, notes that the value parents seek is relief, knowing that the content their children are exposed to has been thoroughly reviewed and is beneficial for their development.",
  "summary": "Low-quality AI-generated content currently dominates children’s media. Maka, a streaming platform run by child development experts, is offering an alternative.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}