Social networks per se are neither good nor bad. Rather, it depends on how they are used whether they have a positive or negative impact on one’s life. But the public schools in the USA and especially Seattle see it a little differently. They are jointly suing social networks such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. The accusation: The platforms would have triggered a crisis in the field of mental health among young people.
Instagram’s internal studies on female teenagers and their usage behavior also show that a negative influence is possible. In any case, Seattle schools accuse the platforms of exploiting the vulnerability of young people and deliberately driving them into an addiction to social media. Psychological characteristics of teenagers are specifically evaluated and exploited. The goal is for young people to spend as much time as possible on TikTok and Co. – regardless of the damage that could potentially be done to their lives.
The complaint includes proud 92 pages. It also gives examples of the negative influences: For example, distorted ideals of beauty that drive young people into anorexia or idealize self-harm. Together, the platforms have contributed to the proliferation of anxiety, depression, thoughts of self-harm and even suicide among young people.
Exciting: In the USA, Section 230 of the so-called “Communications Decency Act” expressly states that online platforms are not liable for what third parties post on them. However, the schools are now claiming that they must be held accountable for the recommendations they give the young people about their algorithms.
how The Guardian reports, the platforms are not aware of any guilt and refer to existing protective measures and cooperation with various organizations that work for mental health. In any case, Seattle schools are seeking damages and asking the courts to prevent the platforms from further impairing young people’s development. Potential money that would be received is to be used in schools for prevention work and education, among other things, in order to sensitize young people to the potential harmfulness of social networks.
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