Wow! As a secondary school teacher and college professor for the last two decades in mathematics, all I can say is: very well said.
The basic symbol manipulation of Algebra, for example, while in one sense is the primary goal of a lesson, in another is almost ancillary...the ability to sit and focus on something that is not fun, not entertaining, even mentally challenging/draining is a superpower in these times.
What we want, ultimately, is people who can analyze problems and bring tools to the table to try and solve those problems...this doesn't happen in the nice, prepackaged, thirty second chunks their brains have been trained to consume.
Creating fun addicts becomes an even worse disservice when learning that isn't fun becomes an insult, an assault to the student. They will tend to resent and revile it and view the education as a form of oppression...a mindset in which very little can be learned, fun or not.
!PIMP
!PIZZA
Teacher here. Ditto.
I think we are now in a phase of "those who can direct their attention, will rule the world". Not many of the youth of today can, unless they are in mindless entertainment mode.