Today the UK Government announced an "under-16 social media ban". Whilst I have previously complained about the Online Safety Act, largely due to its poor implementation, I'm not inherently against the idea of a social media "ban" for those under 16.
Before you call me a hypocrite, the difference is that the big social media platforms are inherently toxic. They are not there for the users, or even the creators (including businesses), they are purely for the (almost exclusively) US owners to profit from the misery of all those who are on its platform.
I'm exaggerating slightly, but for many, these platforms have been damaging to their mental health, bringing out the worse in people and exposing users to awful content (not just as in poor quality) on a continual basis. It's almost like a cruel experiment, taking that of Pavlov's dog even further.
On a personal level, I was fortunate that I was almost 17 by the time Facebook and Twitter (RIP) came onto the scene. Even though I had been using videogame related web forums since around 14 (which would still be accessible as Discord is not included in the proposed ban). The big difference though is that I could only access these digital spaces via a fixed in place desktop computer. Yes, it was in my bedroom, but I wasn't with it 24/7. There was plenty of friction to logging in.
So, if I'm not against the idea of the ban, what are my concerns. Mainly around the actual execution of such a ban. Whilst the Government has recognised there is a problem around social media use amongst young people, they aren't doing anything to actual deal with the problem of social media, specifically the companies behind the main platforms. Nor are the young people the only ones negatively affected by these platforms.
Since 2016 we've had multiple elections in the West manipulated by what has been pushed to social media. The under 16's might have mental health problems from social media, but have you considered the harm it's done to adults and the elderly? Those with minimal digital literacy believing anything they see on Facebook. Unfortunately that last point isn't really an exaggeration.
As the Government is too cowardly/lazy to take on the social media platforms and instead just ban it for under 16s, what does that mean for those affected by the ban? Are alternative spaces for communication going to be provided? Like youth clubs, sport clubs, outdoor (and indoor) spaces to safely hang out? No? Didn't think so.
Therefore, many children will be effectively punished by being isolated. Meanwhile others will develop the digital skills to circumnavigate this. Which has some benefits, but of course could also lead to problems. The other negative aspect is that it will push the less tech savvy to dangerous online spaces instead. Again, this is unlikely to be something the Government has considered.
This isn't even an attack on the current Government, I doubt any of the political parties would deal with this in a way that I would see as being meaningfully effective.
Of course, this is all on the proviso that it actually comes into law, and if it does, what gets cut in the process.