Social Media on Trial (Part 1 of 2)

Three of the world’s biggest tech companies, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, face an upcoming landmark trial over claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.

Before I even proceed with the rest of the blog, let me clearly state: the only reason this issue can be viewed as a problem needing attention… IS DUE TO PARENTS WHO FAIL TO OVERSEE THEIR CHILDREN’S LIVES! Society survived perfectly fine, and mostly grew up to be responsible adults, long before smartphones were invented. Just because they now exist, isn’t reason enough to give one to a child. Children DO NOT need smartphones!

It’s the first time the companies will argue their case before a jury, and the outcome could have profound effects on their businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms. A fourth company named in the lawsuit, Snapchat parent company, Snap Inc., settled their case last week for an undisclosed sum. Snap cowered. Why should any company pay for lame parenting skills?

At the core of the case is a 19-year-old identified only by the initials, KGM. KGM claims that her use of social media from an early age addicted her to the technology, and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. I’m sorry, BUT WHERE WERE YOUR PARENTS? Oh, wait! These companies have far more money than your parents… and now you know why this lawsuit exists. The almighty dollar.

Social media can be harmful emotionally, just like chainsaws, hatchets, and predators can be dangerous physically. Quality parenting requires paying attention to one’s children. Sadly, in today’s society, many parents seem to prefer handing off their responsibilities to anyone other than themselves… maybe because they, too, are wrapped up in social media. Grow up! Think for yourselves!

“Borrowing heavily from the behavioral and neurological techniques used by slot machines and exploited by the cigarette industry, Defendants deliberately embedded in their products an array of design features aimed at maximizing youth engagement to drive advertising revenue,” the lawsuit says.

Newsflash! That’s the purpose of every company in existence. It’s how they stay in existence. Companies don’t survive in a dog-eat-dog, competitive, worldwide competition without maximizing revenue. However, like shoes, furniture, beer, radios, Oreos, and other products/services, no one is forcing anyone to buy/use any product/service. Social media is voluntary, whether it’s being consumed by parents or their children.

Millions of users post regularly. It’s impossible to catch every highly ambiguous, opinionated post for blatant censorship. The lawsuit, if successful, could destroy First Amendment rights and Section 230, which protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their platforms.

Mental health is a deeply complex issue. Narrowing the challenges faced by teens to a single factor such as social media, ignores scientific research, and other factors facing young people: such as academic pressure, peer pressure, economic challenges and substance abuse.

It’s time parents, and politicians trying to cater to them, as well as the lawyers representing them, blame the real problem: lack of parental oversight!

Source used: Associated Press