Why scientists don’t actually know if social media is bad for you - BBC Science Focus Magazine
▻https://www.sciencefocus.com/future-technology/why-scientists-dont-actually-know-if-social-media-is-bad-for-you
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For instance, in recent years, we’ve learnt, pretty conclusively, that violent video games don’t cause real-world aggression. There’s nearly a perfect negative correlation between youth crime and the sale of violent video games globally. And when we revisit some of the studies from the early 2000s that were heralded as reasons for regulation, none of their findings are replicated.
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It’s perfectly reasonable for parents and teachers to be concerned about social media, but it’s out there, it’s unavoidable and young people are going to encounter it sooner or later. So what would you rather do: keep them in the dark and leave them ill-equipped to deal with it or let them learn about social media with your help and support?
It’s a little like learning to ride a bike. Bikes can be huge fun to ride, but you can also hurt yourself on them, which is why you don’t just give your kid a bike and a helmet and wish them good luck. You help them learn to ride.
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