This post was originally shared in our email newsletter on March 29, 2024.
We're closely following the launch of NYU professor Jonathan Haidt’s new book on the harms of social media for kids and teens. It has invigorated discussion on practical remedies at both the family and community levels. This launch marks a significant moment, with actions being considered in schools, communities, and legislative bodies nationwide.
The attention this topic is receiving is encouraging. I hope the decisions we're making to improve child development will lead to broader policies and changes for adults too .
Our Keaper survey last year found that nearly 90% of respondents were concerned about their social media usage, actively reducing it, or had already quit social media altogether. To me, this highlights the unsustainability of the algorithmic “engagement” model.
On a related note, I want to commend this reporting by the Times Union , which sheds light on social media giants’ “dishonest” PR tactic of claiming to be essential safe spaces for marginalized communities, especially trans folks—while offering little actual support . It's frustrating to see respected journalists and academics entertain this argument, which taps into allies' insecurities but is illogical and perpetuates a major falsehood: that regulating social media means the end of social networking .
In reality, the opposite is true: By regulating (anti-)social media, we can bring back the true connection potential of digital spaces. How great would it be if our social apps brought us closer to our friends, or led to us meeting in person more often? (Sounds obvious, right?)
Change is underway. If you're working to reduce social media companies' influence on your mind, your children, or your community, you're not alone.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Are you a parent advocating for this topic in your children's school? Is this a topic of family discussion? If you're not a parent, are you navigating these issues in other ways in your community? If you work for a social media company or in the social marketing space, how is this all affecting you?
Have a great weekend!
— Harry from Keap, Steward-Owner
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