What are some ways that social media companies can limit or eliminate harm to children?
Asked by
jca2 (
16827
)
February 1st, 2024
As you may know, the heads of the largest social media companies like FB and TikTok were in testifying yesterday on Capitol hill, in reference to harm coming to children who use their platforms. Specifically, children commiting suicide, being sold drugs, being exposed to child predators and being extorted by people who they have interacted with.
I have a teenage daughter and as far as I know, she has never experienced any of these things, although I am not naive and I realize it’s very possible she has experienced some things but hasn’t told me. I did tell her way in the beginning when she was using Instagram and doing online gaming to be cautious and I explained about catfishing, never give out personal information like where we live, etc. Never, ever send naked pictures to anybody. I continue to reiterate those things in case she gets too comfortable with anybody online. The school also talks to the students about online safety.
I know social media companies have minimum ages for users. In your opinion, what are some things that social media companies can do to eliminate or curtail harm being done to children?
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10 Answers
Restriction to only ages 13 – 17 by having a junior only platform.
Require identity validation in order to use the service. If a minor is using it, then same validation from a parent.
Heavy monitoring on the social media company. This can be based on a broader list of words / context used in exchanges.
No allowing any and all NSFW photos or discussion topics.
That is the job of the parent. Can’t control your children, don’t have any.
Sunny Hostin on The View today suggested making a minimum age to use social media like cigarettes and alcohol. She proposed age 18. I think I’m in favor of her idea. It wouldn’t stop all use by minors, but could greatly curtail it.
There should be zero algorithms that push photos of murders and suicides. Maybe the same algorithm is pushing information on helping people who are suicidal, it might be difficult to write code to decipher between the two, I don’t know.
Bullying minors on social media should be punishable somehow. Not sure how that would work. I don’t mean throw a bunch of kids in jail for teasing someone about their hairstyle, but something has to be done.
It’s a bit tricky because I know a number of gay and trans teens who have found friendship and support in online web sites and groups. I would not limit usage to age 18 and above.
I don’t have a good answer. i know Instagram is running ads saying they are working with the government to institute parental controls. But sometimes it is the parents that are the problem.
I get that, @tinyfaery but then why were the leaders of the social media companies apologizing to the parents at the hearing in Washington DC?
Ban advertising targeted at children.
It might be about time to wholly dismantle the festering behemoths. They cannot function without doing deliberate evil to the user base. Engagement Uber Alles is the business model, and I think it’s fundamental to the industry right now. I’ll be happy when basic social media function is a part of the public domain, with verified users, fair rules, and legal consequences.
Not allow children on the site.
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