Social media use can become an addiction with excessive use. This addiction is caused by the algorithms of social media that are carefully constructed so that they are addictive to children. ‘Addiction is not a one-sided condition and often has multiple aspects,’ say alcohol and drug therapists working at the luxury rehab center in Laguna Hills, part of https://www.unitedrecoveryca.com California.
People are becoming more aware of social media addictions, especially in GenZ. This is causing parents to worry about their children. States and policymakers have also seen the negative impact that social media has on younger generations. Studies show that social media use and mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are heightened by social media.
Social Media Platform Duty to Children Act
Source: bbc.com
Reacting to the widespread outrage against social media addiction and the harm it causes, policymakers have proposed a new bill. This bill is being considered in California and is spearheaded by Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham, a Republican from Templeton.
Under this act, people will be able to sue big tech companies and social media industry giants for causing harm to children through social media. Assembly Bill No. 2408 focuses on the algorithms of social media platforms rather than their content.
It says that any algorithm that is purposely designed to make children addicted to social media platforms is damaging and the companies promoting them can be used under the act. They will face litigation in California courts and their protection from the U.S. Communications Decency Act will not clash with the act.
Implications
Source: allconnect.com
This can help children in many ways as it holds companies accountable for their nefarious activities. It also gives parents power and the ability to rebel when they feel like their children are being wrong. Companies and tech giants, however, will face a negative impact because of this bill.
They will be subject to a court hearing, a slew of lawsuits, and defamation. People are divided on their views on this act but there is a consensus that minors need to be more protected when they are active online.
This act is particularly impactful after Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee revealed secrets about how the company operated. She said that the company knew that they were implementing changes that would be harmful to children.
Similarly, Instagram is also aware of the impact they have on young people, especially teen girls. This news has shocked people who have begun calling for change and regulation.
How The Act Could be Harmful
Source: thevoiceofwoman.com
Despite these negative news stories, social media is known to be a place that can cause positive change. People can join support groups for many different kinds of issues. On social media, you can connect with others who have faced issues such as drug addictions, abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues, and more.
Social media can also be a great tool to provide information. From vlogs of the lives of people suffering from dual diagnoses to the best ways to relieve stress, you can find a lot of good information on social media.
Social media can also help with healing as people suffering from any kind of illness can use the platform to share their stories and experiences. It also helps people with social anxiety or depression to make meaningful connections with people without making them too stressed.
Social media is also very good for entertainment purposes. It can provide a good distraction from the hardships of everyday life. It can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.
The Danger with Social Media
Source: losspreventionmedia.com
Social Media can also prove to be problematic. This is especially true when we know that companies design their algorithms to be addictive to children. Social media also has a big issue in that it is a place where misinformation can spread very quickly. Tiktok has many videos about alcohol abuse, addiction, and mental health.
However, these videos are not made or endorsed by licensed and trained professionals. This means that many videos are simply false news and this can negatively impact people who are looking to gain knowledge about their health issues.
Social media is particularly bad for people with dual diagnoses. This is because mental health professionals find it difficult to help guide such people as social media exacerbates both aspects of a dual diagnosis. It can be harmful to mental health issues like depression anxiety and body dysmorphia. It can also be dangerous for people addicted to any substance as it causes people to isolate thei=emself from the real world.
Mental health professionals are very concerned about children and people who spend too much time online. Social media can make people feel alone, disconnected, and worthless. It makes people compare themselves to others and seek social validation from the internet and likes.
However, despite its many flaws, it has great potential. Bills such as the California bill aim to regulate social media and the activities of big tech companies. However, they do not seek to eradicate social media. Thus, with proper use and transparency from companies, social media can be a great place to make connections and learn new thighs.
Source: calmatters.org
Summary
Excessive social media use and social media addiction in young people has become worrying.
A California bill is being considered that may allow the suing of social media platforms for causing children to become addicted. This will have harsh implications for tech giants and industry powers.
Social media can be beneficial as it can provide connections and support. However, social media addiction is difficult for mental health providers to tackle, especially with dual diagnosis individuals. Misinformation on social media can be very harmful, creating a gap between what people actually feel and how they deliver the information about their experiences to their treatment specialists.
