Social media might be a part of everyday lives, but it divides opinion. Some people say it can be addictive and soak up hours of people's time, which they could spend doing other things. Others argue that, when used safely, it can help people to stay connected. The topic of social media use among young people has been in the news a lot recently. In December, Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from using it. Social media companies are expected to introduce measures to stop young people from setting up accounts. Now, the UK Government is considering options for protecting children from the harmful effects of social media, including a similar ban to that of Australia. What do you think – should the UK put restrictions on social media?
Yes – it's addictive and dangerous Many studies show that social media can be addictive. When we use it, it releases the feel-good chemical dopamine in our brains, and social media algorithms (instructions for computers) are designed to keep you scrolling. Some people spend lots of time on social media when they could be doing other things, such as being outdoors or spending time with friends in person. Studies also show that social media can affect children's mental health. People often only post nice pictures of their lives online, which aren't a full reflection of the truth but still make others feel their own life isn't as much fun. This can make some people feel sad. Children can also be exposed to harmful content that they shouldn't be seeing.
No – target the companies, not users Social media isn't all bad. When used properly, it can help people stay in touch with each other and encourages them to form connections that they might not otherwise have. This can lead them to feel less lonely. Besides, when used in the right way, social media can be an important platform that people can use to express themselves. When it comes to harmful content, the pressure should be on social media companies to stop people from seeing it. The fairest approach is to make sure platforms do more to restrict what people see, rather than an outright ban. Whether we like it or not, social media is a part of modern life. It makes sense to teach people to use it sensibly and safely – not restrict access to it.
