Hot Takes: Kids Say It, but What Does it Mean?
Get the low down on your teen's latest slang term, "hot take."
February 2, 2025
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This week’s tech headlines bring key updates for parents, from new social media policies protecting kids to controversy over a Valentine’s Day book reading by Jennifer Garner.
Meta Launches Free Curriculum
Meta has partnered with Childhelp to create a free curriculum teaching middle schoolers about online exploitation, including sextortion and grooming.
Developed with child safety experts, it includes lesson plans, videos, and activities.
As lawmakers push for stricter child safety laws, Meta is ramping up protections across its platforms.
Meta wants to teach kids how to spot predators online | The Verge
TikTok Is Back
Apple and Google reinstated TikTok in U.S. app stores after receiving Justice Department assurances they wouldn’t face penalties.
Trump’s executive order delaying enforcement of the ban caused confusion. Experts warn his actions may challenge the rule of law.
TikTok remains operational, but its future depends on resolving national security concerns.
TikTok Returns to Apple and Google App Stores | The New York Times
Social Media’s Ad Loophole
A legal loophole allows children to see enticing social media ads for marijuana, bypassing age restrictions.
Experts warn this exposure increases youth interest and usage, potentially leading to addiction and cognitive harm.
Despite rising cannabis use among teens, regulations remain weak, with little oversight on social media marketing.
Marijuana ads are enticing kids to try weed, study says | CNN
Save the Children Faces Scrutiny
Actress Jennifer Garner has sparked controversy after reading Secret Pizza Party, a children’s book, during a Save the Children literacy event.
Critics raised concerns about the book’s messaging, particularly its emphasis on keeping secrets, and suggestions that pedophiles use pizza as code in their communications online. Additionally, the organization itself is under investigation for alleged child trafficking violations.
Garner, a long-time advocate for children’s welfare, has faced mixed reactions, with some defending her, while others question the appropriateness of the book given the ongoing scrutiny of Save the Children.
“Stay Away From Kids!”: Jennifer Garner Criticized For Reading ‘Secret Pizza’ At FBI-Probed NGO | AOL
Duolingo Engagement Soars After Duo’s “Death”
Duolingo staged a viral marketing stunt, declaring its mascot, Duo the Owl, dead after being hit by a Cybertruck.
The dramatic campaign boosted app engagement, with Android downloads rising 38%.
Users can now “save Duo” by completing lessons. The stunt cleverly capitalizes on anti-Elon Musk sentiment while driving brand loyalty.
Duolingo ‘killed’ its mascot with a Cybertruck, and it’s going weirdly well | TechCrunch
AI Companions: Comfort or Crutch?
AI chatbots like Replika promise to ease loneliness, but experts warn they may increase social isolation.
While some users find comfort and even personal growth through AI companions, concerns over emotional dependence, addiction, and deceptive marketing grow.
As the AI companion market expands, the debate over its long-term impact intensifies.
AI companions claim to help with loneliness – but they might make it worse | Deseret News
Article summaries created with help from AI
Other Headlines
- WikiTok is like an endless TikTok feed but for Wikipedia | The Washington Post
- Instagram tests a ‘dislike’ button for comments | Tech Crunch
Did we miss anything?
Any other important tech news from this week? Let us know in the comments below.
Author Jackie Baucom
Jackie is a Gabb staff writer. She is the mother of four children and is passionate about keeping kids safe, happy, loved, and thriving. She has a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Utah.
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