Feb 16 • 15:55 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

Use of Social Media: A Long Overdue Initiative

The SPD proposes strict regulations for social media and video platforms to address the excessive use among children and teenagers.

The SPD has released a position paper advocating for stringent regulations concerning the use of social media and video platforms by minors. This proposal emphasizes the need for differentiated approaches based on age groups to address the alarming trends in youth engagement with these platforms. It highlights that the excessive use of such media is negatively impacting personal relationships, physical health, and structured daily routines for children and adolescents.

The document points to a growing path of addiction and psychological issues among young people, linked closely to smartphone use. It notes that first-time voters are particularly susceptible to manipulation on platforms like TikTok, where overwhelming argumentative content aims to influence their opinions and decisions. The design of popular platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp is also critiqued for promoting prolonged usage, keeping users engaged for longer periods, which compounds these issues.

The call for regulatory measures marks a crucial step in addressing these challenges, indicating a recognition by political leaders that current approaches to social media engagement among youth are inadequate. The SPD's initiative opens up a necessary debate on how society can protect younger generations from the potentially harmful effects of social media, ensuring a healthier balance between online interactions and real-life engagement.

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