Students Impersonating Teachers on Tiktok, App Banned for Minors, and Altered Teen Brains

With TikTok’s potential ban on the horizon, alternative social media apps are popping up everywhere. Government officials are racing to regulate some features, while trying to ban others. Catch up on the news with this week’s roundup.

FTC Enforces Ban on Messaging App from Hosting Minors

Federal regulators have banned the messaging app NGL from serving users under 18, citing exaggerated claims about its anti-bullying capabilities.

The app, popular among children and teens, was accused of misleading marketing and failing to protect young users from cyberbullying.

This landmark marks the first time a digital platform has been banned from serving users under 18 and underscores the importance of genuine safety measures in digital platforms catering to minors.

In a first, federal regulators ban messaging app from hosting minors | The Washington Post

Internet Addiction May Alter Brain Connectivity in Teens

A recent study reveals that internet addiction may lead to altered brain connectivity in adolescents, affecting regions linked to emotional regulation and decision-making.

Researchers found that affected teens show significant disruptions in brain networks, which could impact their mental health and cognitive development.

This study highlights the urgent need for educating families about balanced internet use and fostering healthy online habits among teens.

Internet addiction associated with altered brain connectivity in teens | PsyPost

Noplace Takes the App Store by Storm

NoPlace, an app blending elements of Twitter and MySpace, has quickly become the number one app on the App Store.

The emphasizes text-based content, friend connections, and a retro design.

It avoids algorithms, offering a unique, nostalgia-driven social media experience for Gen Z, while focusing on organic interactions and personalization.

Noplace, a mashup of Twitter and Myspace for Gen Z, hits No. 1 on the App Store | TechCrunch

Fake Teacher Accounts Spark Outrage and Suspensions

Students at Great Valley Middle School in Malvern, PA, created fake TikTok accounts impersonating teachers. 

The accounts posted offensive content, including racist and homophobic memes, and pedophilia innuendos. 

The incident affected 20 educators and several students were suspended as a result.

Students Target Teachers in Group TikTok Attack, Shaking Their School | The New York Times

FBI Shuts Down Russian AI Bot Farms

Federal prosecutors dismantled hundreds of AI-generated social media accounts created by Russian operatives to spread pro-Putin disinformation.

The Accounts, posing as Americnas, posted misleading content and propaganda.

The FBI, U.S. Cyber Command, and international partners took down the bot farm, marking the first major crackdown on state-sponsored AI-powered disinformation.

Feds shut down Russian AI ‘bot farm’ that spread disinformation for Putin | USA Today

Other Headlines

• Parenting influencers speak out as new law designed to protect kids featured on social media goes into effect | ABC News

• Bill Gates Explains The ‘Safest’ Age To Give A Kid A Cellphone | Good

• Gen Z is experiencing ‘tattoo regret.’ Social media may be to blame. | USA Today

• These Conversations Can Help Uncover Your Teen’s Secret Online Life | PC Mag

• New social-media apps are surging as people look for alternatives to Instagram and TikTok. But can they last? | Business Insider

Did we miss anything?

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