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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. somenameforme · · focus · HN ↗
        Age restrictions don't say it's 'okay' for somebody above a certain age to use something. Cigarettes will screw up your body at 18 just as much as they will at 17. But at 18 you're, legally at least, an adult, the point at which our unstated social contract starts to prioritize liberty over safety. And setting it at such an age also helps significantly reduce the peer pressure to smoke.
        1. juiceland · · focus · HN ↗
          You’re right, and that’s the reason why some states have gone further banning cigarettes that have flavorings including menthol.
          1. Chris2048 · · focus · HN ↗
            Ironic since menthols are to me associated with an older generation. AFAIK, their original purpose was for smokers with colds / blocked sinuses.
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