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When we consider how much time young people spend on social media, negative news content may have a bad impact. And those already psychologically vulnerable may be particularly susceptible to the ill effects of a constant stream of negative news. This is because stress responses are often accentuated in those already suffering from symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses.
So, it is encouraging to see some technology companies proactively showing concern about their users' mental health. For example, Twitter is teaming up with the youth mental health organisation ReachOut to provide resources to help young people learn about the possible negative impacts of social media, so they won't be overly consumed by it and know how to cope if they are.
This is a good start – Twitter is making more information available. But it can do more, and Twitter shouldn't be the only one doing it.
Yes, I'm certain this is exactly what is needed. Much better idea than shutting your Twitter app.
Source: The Conversation
(Score: 2) by AthanasiusKircher on Friday June 02 2017, @07:23PM (1 child)
I absolutely agree with that sentiment. One difficulty is the "filter bubble" effect though, which social media platforms frequently seem to love. For them, they're giving you "more of what you like." For you, you're only seeing more of stuff you already agree with. I deliberately try to seek out different perspectives on controversial issues, but it takes initiative.
(Score: 2) by kaszz on Friday June 02 2017, @08:17PM
The problem is that the social media platforms actively tries to second guess peoples likes and dislikes. Facebook seems to be the worst. On good sites, the user has to take a conscious choice to filter in or out. This kind of unaffirmed active filtering should probably not be allowed for kids.
I also find that platforms like Facebook actively confuses navigation. On sane sites one can simply GO and read subject X and there's no meddling in that process.