The Complexity of Regulating Social Media Use for Kids: A Bipartisan Bill, and the Argument Against Technology Control

Is it possible for tech regulation to address mental health problems?

The ongoing debate about regulating social media use for kids has gained momentum in Congress, as concerns about its impact on mental health continue to rise. A bipartisan bill aims to address the growing percentage of teenage students feeling hopeless, but technology researcher Danah Boyd warns that social media regulation may not be the solution and could potentially do more harm than good.

Boyd argues that the internet has both benefits and risks, and it is more nuanced than a one-size-fits-all approach. She discusses the historical response to new technologies and emphasizes that the real problem does not lie with our phone screens. Instead, it is important to recognize the messy and mixed nature of technology.

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