Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1510811
12 2.11.2023 Alexiei Dingli Prof Alexiei Dingli is a Professor of AI at the University of Malta and has been conducting research and working in the field of AI for more than two decades, assisting different companies to implement AI solutions. He forms part of the Malta.AI task-force, set up by the Maltese government, aimed at making Malta one of the top AI countries in the world OPINION Is social media stealing our children's happiness? I n a modern world brimming with dig- ital allure, our children start navigat- ing the choppy waters of social media early in life. While captivating, the vibrant charm of online interactions conceals a looming threat that oen goes unnoticed until it's too late. e instant gratification, the yearning for virtual validation, and the ceaseless bombardment of notifica- tions create a digital quagmire that could engulf tender minds in a cycle of anxiety and depression. is silent crisis, brewing in the heart of our digital culture, is more than just a passing concern—it's a clear call for immediate action. e tragic story of Molly Russell shines a spotlight on a broader, more pervasive issue ingrained within modern youth culture. rough Molly's narrative, we witness how the seemingly benign act of scrolling through social media can spiral into a vortex of emotional tur- moil for young, impressionable minds. Like many others of her age, Molly was trapped in a web of online despair, where the quest for acceptance and un- derstanding led her into a dark alley of detrimental social media content, ex- acerbating her emotional distress and culminating in a tragic end. Her story isn't an isolated one but a reflection of a growing crisis, echoing the concerns of many about the dangers lurking on social media platforms. e proliferation of social media plat- forms has ushered in various challeng- es and dangers, particularly for young adults. Social media easily captures their attention with poor content, often affecting their sleep patterns, crucial for their physical and mental development. e virtual domain is also rife with in- stances of bullying, rumour-spread- ing, and peer pressure, which can have a detrimental impact on the mental health of young individuals. Moreover, social media often portrays unrealistic standards of living, beauty, and success, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. e ripple effects of these issues are far-reaching, with a notable rise in rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among young people. Recent revelations have shown that platforms like Instagram are aware of the potential detrimental effects their platform can have on the mental health of teenagers. However, concrete actions to address these issues appear to be negligible. Ad- ditionally, promoting unrealistic body standards can lead to eating disorders and body dysmorphia, further contrib- uting to the youth's mental health is- sues. On platforms like Instagram, with a significant young user base, the neg- ative impact on self-esteem has been highlighted, fueling further the ongoing national conversation around mental health. In light of this, the recent lawsuit against Meta (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and others) has emerged as a seismic event, shedding further light on the impact of social me- dia on youth. e collective action of 33 US states against Meta underscores a shared apprehension regarding the allegedly malicious design of addictive features that ensnare the vulnerable psyche of youngsters, fostering the on- going mental health crisis. e lawsuit delves into the issue of unauthorized data collection on children below 13, showcasing an alleged blatant disregard for ethical norms. is legal action is not merely a standalone endeavour but is backed by many research findings that have, over time, painted a some- what troubling picture of social media, often targeting children without ade- quate supervision or preparedness. Furthermore, the lawsuit reflects a larger societal discourse seeking to ad- dress the ostensibly reckless behaviour of social media giants. It also echoes the desperate call for a more robust regula- tory framework that ensures the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable segment of our society – the children. Furthermore, it tries to foster a positive digital environment where young minds can explore, learn, and interact without the overshadowing threat of mental and emotional distress. Navigating social media safely is a collective endeavour that requires the concerted effort of parents, educators, policymakers, and the tech industry. In- itiatives like the Online Safety Bill in the UK or the Be SMART Online in the EU are steps in the right direction, aiming to establish a framework for responsi- ble online engagement. To create a safer online environment for our children, we must foster a space for open discussions about social media use, implement edu- cational programs on digital literacy, and advocate for ethical tech practices. Soci- ety must come together to safeguard the mental and emotional well-being of the young generation amidst the digital tide reshaping our world.