Social media bans and digital curfews to be trialled on teenagers
The Government is launching a major pilot scheme to explore the impact of restricting social media use among teenagers. Three hundred young people will take part, divided into groups experiencing different measures: complete…
USA: Meta and YouTube found guilty of designing addictive products
In a landmark decision, a Los Angeles jury has found Meta and YouTube liable for designing addictive features which harmed a young user. The plaintiff, identified as KGM, testified that prolonged use from…
Social media: growing disruption caused by deepfake videos
Security experts are warning about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in online disinformation campaigns after a British academic discovered a deepfake video using his likeness. Professor Alan Read of King’s College London…
USA: Zuckerberg in trial to assess addictive effects of social media
A major court case has just begun, designed to examine whether social media platforms are intentionally designed to keep children engaged in harmful ways. A young woman, ‘Kaley’, alleges that after she began…
Japan: prime minister’s social media led to her party’s landslide victory
Growing social media interest in prime minister Sanae Takaichi appears to have significantly influenced Japan’s lower house election on 8 February, contributing to a decisive victory for her Liberal Democratic Party. Many voters…
USA: Trump puts up racist video, deletes it later
A social media video shared by Donald Trump and later deleted drew widespread condemnation across political lines. The clip promoted false election claims and, near its conclusion, depicted Barack and Michelle Obama with…
House of Lords backs ban on social media for under-16s
Momentum is growing in parliament for a ban on under-16s using social media, after the House of Lords backed a key amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The proposal would require…
How did Gen Z become the most religious generation alive?
New research suggests Generation Z is emerging as the most religious generation alive, with belief in a higher power now surpassing even those aged over 65. A YouGov study shows church attendance among…
Australia: under-16s prepare for social media ban
The impending ban on social media access for under-16s in Australia has sparked confusion, concern, and debate among students, parents, experts, and global observers. From 10 December, platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat,…
France: a nun has become a powerful evangelist, thanks to social media
Sister Albertine, a young French nun, has become a surprising yet powerful online evangelist. Through videos, social media posts and candid personal sharing, she invites many - especially younger people - to encounter…
