This week, states are backing social media warning labels for kids, and New Mexico is suing Snapchat over child exploitation. Meanwhile, the playful “airport tray aesthetic” trend shows how social media affects even everyday moments.
States Back Social Media Warning Labels for Kids’ Safety
More than 40 state attorneys general are endorsing a federal plan to place warning labels on social media platforms, citing concerns over their impact on children’s mental health.
Championing the proposal, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy argues that such labels could help mitigate risks like anxiety and depression linked to social media use among adolescents.
42 state AGs endorse federal plan to add warning labels on social media | The Washington Post
Australia Considers Social Media Age Limit
Australia plans to introduce a minimum age for social media use, likely between 14 and 16, to address mental and physical health concerns.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supports the measure to encourage real-life activities for kids.
Digital rights advocates, however, warn it could push youth towards less regulated online spaces and exacerbate safety issues.
Australia plans social media minimum age limit, angering youth digital advocates | Reuters
New Mexico Sues Snapchat for Fostering Child Exploitation and Sextortion
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has sued Snapchat, accusing it of promoting illicit sexual material involving children and facilitating sextortion, trafficking, and other crimes.
The lawsuit claims Snapchat’s design and misleading safety assurances enable predators to exploit and permanently capture explicit content.
Torrez aims to hold the platform accountable for prioritizing profits over child safety.
Snap sued by New Mexico over ‘sextortion’ of kids by predators | CNBC
Bill Gates Confronts Misinformation Crisis
Bill Gates admits that misinformation, especially amplified by AI, is a problem he finds difficult to solve.
Despite tackling major issues like climate change and poverty, Gates feels stumped by the spread of falsehoods online.
His daughter Phoebe’s experiences with online harassment have deepened his concern, highlighting the challenge of controlling misinformation while balancing free speech.
Bill Gates says this is the No. 1 unsolvable problem facing today’s young people: ‘The harm is done’ | CNBC
Telegram Exposed
A New York Times investigation reveals Telegram as a hub for illegal activities, including child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and terrorism.
The report focuses on Telegram’s failure to control extremist content, noting that the platform has become a key tool for white supremacists, terrorists, and criminals due to its features and minimal moderation.
How Telegram Became a Playground for Criminals, Extremists and Terrorists | The New York Times
Airport Aesthetic and Security Lines
The “airport tray aesthetic” trend has taken off on social media, where travelers artfully arrange and photograph their items in security trays.
While it showcases stylish possessions, critics argue it delays security lines.
Despite this, enthusiasts and brands are embracing the trend for its creative expression, though hygiene concerns persist.
People are angry at Gen Z taking photos of airport trays. Here’s what’s really going on | CNN
Other Headlines
- Apple Unveils New iPhones With Built-In Artificial Intelligence | The New York Times
- Americans don’t want to ban TikTok anymore | Business Insider
- Let’s Talk Social Media, Body Image, and Eating Disorders | Psychology Today
Did we miss anything?
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.
Success!
Your comment has been submitted for review! We will notify you when it has been approved and posted!
Thank you!