Most in Germany want Australia-style social media ban: poll – DW – 11/30/2024
www.dw.com
A survey has shown that a majority in Germany would support banning social media use for those under 16. This week, Australian lawmakers approved legislation to that effect.

Summary

A YouGov poll revealed that 77% of Germans support banning social media for those under 16, similar to a new Australian law.

The survey found that 82% believe social media harms young people, citing harmful content and addiction.

In Australia, the law fines platforms up to AUD 49.5 million (€30.5M) for allowing under-16s to create accounts, with enforcement trials set before implementation next year. Critics

  • Roflmasterbigpimp@lemmy.worldEnglish
    181·
    16 hours ago

    Urgh. This is a tough one. Social media has been a part of asymmetric warfare for at least the past ten years, and I don’t want my kids to be bombarded with propaganda from Russian and Chinese-funded far-right groups like the AfD.

    At the same time, I understand how important it is for kids to explore the internet on their own.

    If I had the choice, I would ban TikTok and Instagram.

    But if that’s not possible – then honestly, ban everything. I will then work something out with my kids myself.

    • douglasg14b@lemmy.worldEnglish
      10·
      14 hours ago

      It used to be valuable to explore the internet but the internet has largely been corrupted by corporate greed.

      By and large the experience Young folks have on the Internet is almost entirely through applications meant to abuse and take advantage of their underdeveloped brains. Behavior driven by algorithmic pressure.

      This is bad news bears for society.

      There isn’t a whole lot of exploring to be done for the grand majority of kids on the internet. Instead they will be classified bucketed and used for further financial gain by a select few corporations.