China and our children. AIBU to be deeply concerned?

[Concerningalgorithms]

I read this article and am so concerned. So many of our kids are on TT.

https://nypost.com/2023/02/25/china-is-hurting-us-kids-with-tiktok-but-protecting-its-own/amp/

Basically, TT and other SM have the same effect on our brain as addictive substances such as heroine. Developers know this and create highly addictive (make use of our knowledge of the reward centre in our brain), apps/platforms/games that leave us with dopamine crashes when we can’t have it. So that tantrum or meltdown when we say ‘turn screens off now’ is partly, if not mostly, to do with that, is one example.

The article above says that China use different algorithms there for TT so it is helpful for children’s development. They are peddling addictive, concentration lowering crap to children around the world, but protecting their own children.

Why are we allowing this? Why are we not protecting our children too? The science is there.

And AIBU to think that we are at risk, as a country, of raising a generation that will be less well adapted and more vulnerable in the future to a hostile take over?

And something like that would need to apply to all, not just children. That’s the point I’m making.

I think that would be great. I do think having different modes for different ages could still be helpful. I think it needs a multi pronged approach.

There are different modes for different ages.

I know but they are optional.

So you would make it the law? That ten year olds can only access apps for ten year olds? How on earth do you enforce that?

No I’m not talking about access. I’m talking about regulating the industry more to reduced harm.

And, we have been here before, I’m not the expert in the solution. I just see the problem. Honestly. I think you just need to let it go.

When I said optional - I meant for the industry. The measures they could put in place to protect under 16s/18s are mostly optional.

Look. We need to just agree to disagree. I believe there is more we can do from a legislative side of things to minimise harm in this area. You don’t. That’s fine.

They aren’t optional. They have to put in place the measures to qualify for the age rating. If they don’t they don’t qualify for the age rating.

the problem is they don’t care. And they don’t care because parents ignore the age rating and let them use them anyway.

Yes, but they don’t go far enough IMO. It’s minimal effort for most.

They don’t care because they don’t care. Not because of what parents do or don’t do. That’s why tighter legislation is needed. The crux of our differences here is probably an ideological one and comes down to how much we each believe the state has a duty of care. We need to just agree to disagree and move on.

I know I’ve said this before, but I really am going to love you and leave you now. It’s been a blast and I wish you and your bee the best 😉

There is nowhere else to go. That’s the point. The legislation we have in place for mobile phones is already as strict (arguably stricter) than for things like alcohol. The only way to enhance it would be to target adults. Apply universal strategies, like with the photos on cigarettes. But then you come to the fact that, as said, this stuff isn’t yet well evidenced and there is no guaranteed correlation. And it relies on parents. And those who don’t won’t ever. Those who get it already do. Much like smoking around kids. They know. They still do it.

You are one of these people that always has to have the last word. I’ve enjoyed watching that unfurl. I bet you will still reply to this.

i don’t know why you have to be nasty? You replied with your views. I did the same. I wasn’t insulting or personal. I just replied to your points. Exactly like you did. Only I wasn’t mean.

How is that nasty? I’m terribly sorry if I’ve upset you.

I’m just bemused by how doggedly you have pursued me in having this debate.

And you got patronising first (if you don’t understand basic …) and then you got personal first (your education clearly doesn’t extend to..).

Just let it go. I’m just a random on the internet, that believes legislation could go
further to protect children (and may be adults) against the negative effects of addictive apps/devices etc. Why so invested in proving me wrong?

Please don’t offer disingenuous apologies.

I was not rude. They were statements of fact. You attempted to discredit others with your education and profession, yet then proceeded to comment on areas where you aren’t educated and definitely do not understand.

This also wasn’t, and isn’t, about proving anyone wrong. It’s a discussion. Perhaps if you had approached it as such you wouldn’t have felt the need to be personal and insulting. Repeatedly.

Also, you have the power to stop. You do not have the power to make me do so. I have a right to return. As do you. I would never tell you, or anyone, otherwise.

If you are upset then I am sorry. Your tone has been combative so I matched it. If I’ve misjudged the tone and you weren’t being combative, then I’m sorry.

Actually I shared my education and expertise in response to someone rudely saying that I’d read one article and call myself an expert. Not to discredit anyone. Saying ‘if you don’t understand basic …’ is very patronising. Saying ‘your education clearly doesn’t extend to …’ is rude and personal.

I have been discussing. I’ve matched your tone. When I agree, I say I agree.

Im not telling you to stop. I’ve suggested we agree to disagree. I am very bemused though by your dogged determination. It’s made me smile.

I’m not sure what you’re asking me to agree to disagree with.

I have stated that several times.

Why are you so invested?

That bee just won’t leave the cosy confines of your bonnet will it.

See personal. Again.

Just factual. You have a bee in your bonnet. I have no idea why you care so much. It’s bemusing. I’m wondering how long this will go on for.

Yet here you are. Engaging with me.

Yes. I’m seeing how far you’ll take it to have the final word. I’m curious.

Suppose I’m curious about the same thing? How long you will keep going trying to get the last word?