Technologically savvy young people in particular are sounding the alarm: they want to give their children back the carefree days before the age of social media.
In the age of social media and the like, this is a surprising turnaround: according to a survey by the McKinsey Health Institute in the US, half of Generation Z wished TikTok had never been invented. According to this survey, about 47 percent of young adults between the ages of 18 and 27 are convinced that the popular video platform has caused far more harm than good. But that’s not all: more and more members of Generation Z want to deny their own children access to smartphones for as long as possible.
Also clear is the growing unease about social media. 50 percent of respondents regret the existence of X (formerly Twitter), while 34 percent and 37 percent have similar feelings about Instagram and Facebook. Although more than half admit that social media has enriched their lives in some way, the negative effects apparently outweigh the negative effects: six in ten respondents are convinced that platforms like TikTok are harmful to society as a whole.
Uphill battle against the pressure of social media
The consequences of this distrust are far-reaching: More than 45 percent of Gen Z participants do not want to allow their own children to have a smartphone before high school. The influence of social media on mental health is also likely to blame. 44 percent of women have experienced a decline in emotional well-being due to social media, compared to 31 percent of men. Lack of sleep, poor body image and depression are directly linked to social media.
Here you will find an overview of the research results.
The difference between the generations is particularly striking: While previous generations welcomed the introduction of the smartphone as a technical revolution, Gen Z apparently wants to take a step back. Many people would like to go back to the time before TikTok, X and Co., when everyday life was less characterized by constant availability and digital pressure. Young parents want their daughters and sons to live without constant distractions and the pressure to appear perfect online.
Protection against mobile phone addiction: legal plans worldwide!
Nearly seven in ten Gen Z respondents also support laws to make social platforms safer for children. They are especially critical of addictive features that reward users for inviting friends or spending long periods of time on the screen. At the insistence of the EU, TikTok had to stop such a reward system this year.
International pressure is also growing: Australia wants to ban social media up to the age of 16. Italy is discussing a ban on smartphones under the age of 14.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
