‹ BackHN Continuity

Thread

Teen Social Media Bans Miss the Point

70 points · 118 comments · eustoria

  1. sega_sai · · 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. trescenzi · · focus · HN ↗
      If you read the rest of the piece they do argue for more regulation. They aren’t making a personal responsibility argument like other commenters are saying.

      The problem with bans is they claim the technology itself is purely bad and the only solution is to keep it from children. Which on its face is nonsensical. It’s ok for a 17 year old but not a 16 year old?

      We need genuine regulation tackling the actual problems with this technology. Blanket bans do nothing but make adults feel good about “protecting the children”.

      1. doc_ick · · focus · HN ↗
        Blanket bans are better the no bans at all. I would agree we need genuine and granular regulation, though I don’t think it’s wise to ask kids what they think is best for them. Not a parent but a parent might have some concern for letting kids rule themselves.
Open on Hacker News to reply ↗

Unofficial Hacker News client; not affiliated with Y Combinator.