Policymakers must act
Social media can be a powerful tool when used responsibly. It provides information and creates easier access to opportunities, particularly for individuals seeking to establish businesses or build careers online. Social media has transformed the way products are marketed and the way information is consumed. The Information Age is heavily shaped by the influence of social media platforms, enabling users to become more informed and dynamic in how they communicate with wider audiences. However, the overwhelming volume of information available online can also create negative consequences in the way these platforms are used. Social media contains both positive and harmful elements, but much of the content circulated online is not always suitable, especially for young people under the age of 18.
The negative aspects of social media are often highlighted, while the more constructive benefits remain overlooked within the wider ecosystem. Meta has emerged as one of the dominant forces in social media, with platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook forming part of its portfolio. Meanwhile, YouTube, operating under the Google umbrella, has established remarkable brand loyalty in its own right. The platform has created opportunities for content creators and has produced countless financially successful influencers. These creators have made social media increasingly appealing to younger audiences. Many young people aspire to achieve success through YouTube or Instagram, encouraging some to create accounts by misrepresenting their age or presenting themselves as older online.
There is growing concern that social media platforms may not be suitable environments for young users, particularly when harmful content is frequently pushed towards them. This can encourage young people to believe that everything presented online reflects reality. Concerns surrounding mental health among younger generations have intensified, with many using social media as a source of validation, increasing pressure to appear popular or successful among peers. Public scrutiny surrounding Meta and YouTube has further highlighted the risks these platforms can present for younger audiences, and critics argue that governments have been too slow to respond.
Some believe that the United Kingdom and other Western countries should introduce stricter regulations, including limiting access to social media platforms until users reach the age of 18 and requiring verified identification for account creation. While the dangers associated with social media are unlikely to disappear entirely, stronger safeguards could make it more difficult for young people to access harmful material online.
