[apatters]

No, those aren't the same things at all. Your parents weren't listening to rock music while saying "I know this is bad for me and I want to stop, but can't."

Comparisons of social media to alcohol and tobacco are apt, it is something that's both harmful and difficult to quit. Rock music and books are not similar.

[maccard]

But the comparison isn't social media, it's "all screens". I'm definitely more on the side of social media platforms being problematic, but claiming BBC dramas are as bad as TikTok feeds is just nonsense.

> Rock music and books are not similar.

The issue isn't rock music, or dancing, or books. It's an older generation claiming that the way that they experienced things is better than the way the the current generation are, and they're worse off for it, and the younger generation just need to take their word for it (which is exactly what the commentor I've been replying to keeps saying).

[Sebb767]

Well, if you spend your time listening to rock music instead of working or if you spend all your money on drug-fueled concerts, it might be a problem. Just browsing on social media in itself does not hurt you at all. Excessive use and addiction is the problem. Same with books: They're usually seen as good, but just reading fantasy books all day is still not a great way to spend your time.

Now, obviously rock music and books probably have less addictive design than social media, but it's still true: Once it starts negatively impacting your live, it becomes a problem.