Thread

1. sega_sai · 1789912724 · focus · HN ↗

   "In scary headlines like these, technology is the subject, and teens are passive victims." -- I am sorry, but how is this not true, when companies like Meta are in full control of their algorithms, tuning them to maximum addiction.

   One can indeed argue what is the best way to deal with the problem of kids and social media, but I think the article is misrepresenting the situation.

   1. charlieyu1 · 1789913875 · focus · HN ↗

      I grow up with ICQ where you can click a button to talk with a random stranger. Boomers were crying about Internet addiction.

      30 years later, I’m fine and the boomers are the ones getting addicted to fake stuff on the internet.

      1. mohamedkoubaa · 1789913931 · focus · HN ↗

         I know people who got into car accidents and 30 years later they were fine
      2. goalieca · 1789914006 · focus · HN ↗

         Our generation did not turn out fine. Phones are hugely a net loss for society. I stand by that.

         1. michaelt · 1789914818 · focus · HN ↗

            Maybe. But how do we tell the effects of social media and smart phones apart from the multiple financial crises? The endless, incredibly costly Middle East forever wars? The huge rise in costs of houses, education and healthcare? The blatantly corrupt politics? Globalisation and the resulting loss of manufacturing jobs? The inaction on school shootings? The climate situation?

            1. s1artibartfast · 1789957872 · focus · HN ↗

               Maybe without perpetual distraction some of those problems wouldn't be as bad.
         2. esseph · 1789932625 · focus · HN ↗

            Every living generation has a phone "problem", so that's not unique to one made up cohort.

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