Tag Archives: Social Media

Panic over children’s mobile phone use distracts from the help young people actually want

Panic over children’s mobile phone use distracts from the help young people actually want

Should young teenagers be banned from using social media? That’s the question being discussed by British MPs debating a bill that proposes the government should decide within a year whether to raise the age children can have social media accounts from 13 to 16. It follows a recent petition on the same topic that garnered nearly 130,000 signatures, […] … learn more→

How our bodies react when we use social media – and when we stop

How our bodies react when we use social media – and when we stop

The typical adult in the UK spends nearly two hours on social media per day. And for younger users, this can easily be up to five hours. The likes of Instagram or TikTok seem to draw us into their ever-changing feeds and it’s difficult to tear ourselves away from these platforms. Now our latest study shows that even our […] … learn more→

Can (or should) social media be educational tools?

Can (or should) social media be educational tools?

The educational community has been focusing on the potential of social networks to implement training proposals since the spectacular development of the so-called Web 2.0 began in the early 2000s. Resources for interaction between users, i.e. social networks, were enhanced. The creation of Facebook in 2004 marked a momentous moment. The success of the platform triggered a […] … learn more→

We know social media bans are unlikely to work. So how can we keep young people safe online?

We know social media bans are unlikely to work. So how can we keep young people safe online?

A war has erupted around young people’s use social media and it is messy. In the United States, surgeon general Vivek Murthy has recommended cigarette packet-like warnings for platforms like Instagram to remind teens and parents social media “has not proved safe”. In Australia, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says he would ban social media for those under 16 within […] … learn more→

Is social media fuelling political polarisation?

Is social media fuelling political polarisation?

Once upon a time, newly minted graduates dreamt of creating online social media that would bring people closer together. That dream is now all but a distant memory. In 2024, there aren’t many ills social networks don’t stand accused of: the platforms are singled out for spreading “fake news”, for serving as Russian and Chinese vehicles […] … learn more→

Sex or social media? The sacrifices we’re willing to make to stay online

Sex or social media? The sacrifices we’re willing to make to stay online

Your alarm clock goes off, it’s time to start your day. What’s the first thing you do? What about right before you go to bed? If your answer is scrolling social media, you’re not alone. People are spending increasing amounts of time on social media, with reports from 2023 suggesting an average worldwide usage of two and […] … learn more→

Are you an observer, promoter, connector or influencer? 4 ways to harness social media for innovation

Are you an observer, promoter, connector or influencer? 4 ways to harness social media for innovation

Are you eager to steer your career, team or organization toward uncharted territory? Or do you aspire to solve complex societal problems through innovation? It turns out that the most successful innovators aren’t solitary geniuses. Instead, they excel by “spanning boundaries” — moving beyond a given particular niche to access different forms of knowledge, communities, interest […] … learn more→

Is 13 too young to have a TikTok or Instagram account?

Is 13 too young to have a TikTok or Instagram account?

The surgeon general is the “nation’s doctor” in the United States. They are tasked with giving Americans the “best scientific information” about their health. Late last month, the current US surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, warned 13 is too young to join social media. He said it poses a risk to young people’s “self-worth and their relationships”, adding: […] … learn more→