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by y1426i 591 days ago
I don't think this is a practical solution. And it does not solve the underlying issue, which is the attention economy.

Here's a better solution option that is easier to implement; even adults can benefit, and I think it solves some of the problems:

1. Have an easy option to turn off feeds and enforce for non-adults. This would apply not just to meta, twitter, but also to Youtube, LinkedIn, etc.

2. Disable like display. The like counts are what hooks people and gives the dopamine kick. Add the ability to hide it and not show for under 18 easily.

3. Social and news sites should not be allowed to send notifications, period. Not on phones or browsers, at least not for those under 18.

Something along these lines would improve social media for everyone, not just kids. Parents' mental health affects kids the same. So blocking it just for kids only goes so far.

1 comments

Thanks for your reply.

I think you have valid points, but as noted; the industry has no interest in any form of regulation or responsibility.

I don’t see any alternative.