Social Media CEO Hearing: Main Takeaways

Social media poses many risks that need more control like allowing pornography, election interference and misinformation which effect everyone as well as children.

When it comes to children though, the single largest cause of death is guns. As for bullying, parents need to be more engaged as bullying doesn't happen just online but in person. My niece was bullied so her mother my sister had to get very involved with the school and other parents to stop it. It's not just the responsibility of social media though the apps need to provide tools that allow parents to control access,  and block and report to law enforcement bullies and predators.

"The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) — sweeping legislation that aims, in part, to limit the spread of disinformation — is due to come into effect for social-media platforms on 17 February. Included in that act are provisions for giving vetted researchers access to data from social-media platforms to study systemic risks posed by social media in Europe."

"In 2020 and 2021, firearms contributed to the deaths of more children ages 1-17 years in the U.S. than any other type of injury or illness. The child firearm mortality rate has doubled in the U.S. from a recent low of 1.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2013 to 3.7 in 2021."

"The number of children and teens killed by gunfire in the United States increased 50% between 2019 and 2021, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of the latest annual mortality statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/06/gun-deaths-among-us-kids-rose-50-percent-in-two-years/

https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/child-and-teen-firearm-mortality-in-the-u-s-and-peer-countries/

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00274-7

Social media and mobile technology has stolen the childhood of our young children! 

We must restore net neutrality, bring back the fairness doctrine, and combat online misinformation, especially from the RepublicaNazis and the Kremlin. Kids teasing kids until they kill themselves has always happened, but it happens less in countries where "woke," community, and compassion aren't frowned upon. 

Unfettered social media is extremely dangerous!

So 95% of Causes readers are concerned about the effect of social media on youth. I bet a similar number of us are concerned about its effect on adults regarding political issues, policy, etc. Disinformation is the new Pandemic....

I am very concerned about the risk social media poses to children and teens.  I am also very concerned with the effects it has on adults as well!

All should be shut down. Is their really a NEED for these? NO

I am absolutely concerned. HOWEVER, I believe this should be the parents' job, NOT the government's!

We either operate completely under nanny state laws, or we make our own big person/big pants decisions. 

I am afraid of the corrupt minds that we are raising but I point the blame on parents as well as Meta, Tic Toc etc...  Parents have got to stop using hand held devices as baby sitters.  

The social media companies have caused a mental health crisis and which the reason. Why suicides are up 

you dont need ai to disinform ... all you need are maga bozos with an evil bent to create and propagate fake news - a crime against humanity! they need to be held accountable with punishing penalties! 

https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/07/media/new-york-city-vigilante-group-fox-news?cid=ios_app

An NYC vigilante group tackled what they claimed was a shoplifting ‘migrant’ live on Fox News. They were wrong.

It's about time they stop robocalls and spoofing on any media! I don't care what the form of communication it is! Whether it internet, phone lines or cellphone. Lies are lies, and scams are scams no matter what country, company, group or individual they are! Need to send a message loud message!

Is Tucker Carlson a CIA or FBI spy going to Russia or a assassin?

Some scool districts have add social media studies to the curriculum especially to teach about misinformation. I do think this is a good idea but this should not be the only step.

There is no doubt social media companies, ai and data manipulaters need to be reined in 

but the sheer ignorance stupidity rudeness and racism exhibited by congress was stunning! 

shame on congress ! 

Trump suggest that he look like Elvis?

I would vote for Liz Cheney or/and Adam Kinzinger for president and vice president over any republican! They have at least have a spine!

What is interesting is I new that before he was ever voted in to office, he would be the worst president ever! I did vote for him then, the second time or will I vote for a third time! The looser, lies about everything. You can't fact check him fast enough.

Not JUST children, it appears that the way social media companies run now is actively encouraging mental illness and social disfunction!  I do not believe it was on purpose at first, they simply followed the ideas that made more money without understanding what they were doing.  We, and they, know better now and they either need to act responably or we must END them! 

Yes I am concerned and have been for years. All this was a dog and pony show by our congress. They got to show their constituents they can beat up on CEOs of media companies with talk. But they can't and will not pass a Bill to control children's safety on their internet companies. So, it is my opinion it is up to us parents and grandparents and caretakers to oversee what kids are doing on the internet. Do they really need a cellphone with internet capability? I am aware it is some kids only computer access. But we pay enough in taxes each student should have computer access at school where it is controlled. I am also well aware kids need a cellphone to keep in contact with parents for activities. We just can not put faith in Uncle to pass laws to go beyond to protect our young ones. It has to be our responsibility.