PROJECT ROCKIT’s Post

“Growing Up Online: Are We Letting Kids Step into Social Media Too Soon?” The other day, I saw a child – no older than 8 – scrolling through Instagram with the ease of a seasoned pro. It caught me off guard. At that age, my world revolved around playgrounds and picture books, not posts and “likes.” And it made me wonder: Are we giving young minds access to social media too early? In a world where screens are everywhere, children are growing up faster than ever, thrust into a digital reality that’s complex and, sometimes, downright dangerous. At what cost? Are we unknowingly letting them race towards a world that they might not be ready for? As adults, we know the pressure that social media can bring. The constant comparisons, the endless content, the blurred lines between reality and carefully curated posts. Now, imagine an 8-year-old navigating this maze. They’re not just scrolling; they’re being exposed to trends, ideas, and sometimes even harmful content far beyond their years. But here’s the big question: Should we regulate this? Should there be an age limit for social media that’s enforced – not just recommended? And if so, what’s the “right” age to allow young minds to step into this digital sphere? Is it 16? 18? It’s not just about technology; it’s about childhood and the innocence that comes with it. Think about it: • Are we robbing kids of a natural, offline childhood by letting them dive into the social media world too soon? • Should parents resist the pressure to keep up with trends and delay this exposure? • Could government regulations create a safer, healthier boundary for young users? Social media has its benefits, no doubt. But at what age does it start to enrich a child’s life instead of complicating it? Let’s discuss. How young is too young? Where should we draw the line? #DigitalParenting #SocialMediaAwareness #ProtectYoungMinds #OnlineSafety #YouthAndSocialMedia

I'm sharing this article which got published for our UPES School of Business newsletter on the significant impact Generation Alpha is poised to have on various industries. From their digital-native mindset to their unique values, understanding this generation is crucial for businesses looking to stay ahead. #GenerationAlpha #FutureOfWork #IndustryTrends #DigitalNative #marketing #consumerbehaviour" Rahul Nainwal Rām Sharma, PhD Harsh Verma UPES Marketing Mind Mad Over Marketing (M.O.M) Marketing Scholars: Call for Papers, Research News and more https://lnkd.in/gar-swk9

🚨 Urgent Call to Action: Sign Petition to Ban Social Media Platforms Promoting Short-Length Videos 🚨 Dear LinkedIn Community, I'm reaching out to you today with a critical call to action that concerns the future intellectual development of our youth and the well-being of our society as a whole. As many of you are aware, social media platforms featuring short-length videos have become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. While these platforms may offer moments of entertainment and relaxation, their impact on our cognitive abilities and learning potential cannot be ignored. I've initiated a petition on Change.org titled "Ban Social Media Platforms Which Promote Short Length Videos," aimed at addressing the detrimental effects of this trend. By signing this petition, you'll join me in advocating for measures to mitigate the influence of platforms that prioritize quick, superficial content over meaningful engagement and intellectual growth. Here's why your signature matters: Protecting Future Generations: The pervasive use of short-length video platforms has been linked to reduced attention spans and diminished intellectual learning capabilities, particularly among young people. By taking a stand against these platforms, we can safeguard the intellectual potential of future generations. Preserving Critical Thinking Skills: Excessive consumption of shallow content undermines critical thinking skills and analytical abilities, essential for navigating an increasingly complex world. It's crucial to prioritize platforms that encourage deep, thoughtful engagement and foster a culture of lifelong learning. Promoting Mental Well-being: Research has shown a correlation between excessive screen time and negative impacts on mental health. By advocating for the regulation of short-length video platforms, we can promote healthier online habits and create a more balanced digital environment for all. Now is the time to act. By signing and sharing this petition, you're contributing to a movement aimed at prioritizing the intellectual flourishing and well-being of our communities. Sign the petition here: https://chng.it/RftFtpCmT5 Together, let's raise our voices and advocate for a future where learning is valued, curiosity is nurtured, and the potential of every individual is fully realized. Thank you for your support,

Social media – and the Internet in general – has both its upsides and downsides. It is a place for creation, connection, and discovery, but also a place for comparison, distraction, and negativity. What it really comes down to, however, is how you utilize it. Social media itself is just a tool; when used wisely, it can lead to great things, and when used poorly, it can be negative or even destructive. The pros and cons of social media: Pro: maintain connections. Con: depression and anxiety. Pro: changed politics and news. Con: cognitive overload. Pro: provides education. Con: privacy concerns. Learn more with us on Thursday with @davidthephotoguy leading the way! #toastmasters #bigdtoastmasters #leadershipskills #publicspeaking

Misinformation in Social Media Networks The phenomenon of misinformation within social media networks has had a transformative impact on communication, facilitating global connectivity and the exchange of information. Nevertheless, this increased interconnectedness has brought about a significant issue: the widespread dissemination of inaccurate information Sensational headlines and algorithms prioritizing engagement fuel this. Social media creates echo chambers where users are exposed only to information that confirms their existing beliefs. This misinformation can be harmful, causing vaccine hesitancy, social unrest, and hindering informed decisions, and many more. To tackle this, social media platforms need fact-checking and transparency. Users must be critical thinkers, verifying information before sharing. Schools can educate students on media literacy. Governments must find a balance between free speech and restricting harmful content. It's a collective effort to create a more informed digital world. 

Oxford University Press has announced **"brain rot"** as the Word of the Year for 2024. This term describes the supposed mental decline associated with excessive consumption of trivial or low-quality online content. Its popularity surged by 230% between 2023 and 2024, reflecting societal concerns about the impact of digital media, particularly among younger generations. Frequently used in a humorous or self-aware manner online, it has become a shorthand for the effects of doomscrolling, social media addiction, and exposure to viral, low-value content. "Let’s learn together to approach technology mindfully! Follow us on our social media accounts and you can visit for more informative content. https://lnkd.in/dUa4z3aX #BeAware #BalanceWithTechnology"

Just circling back on my provocative banning social media post! Huge thanks to Clive Watkins, Emma Fearon, Mark Bentley, Giordana Annibal, 😀 Simon Parsons, Craig Wells, Rob Johnson, Lynda Merryweather, Andy Goram, Steve Lenagh, Glyn Jelley, Flynn Byrne and Claire Davies for commenting! Thank you all for such insightful comments on the ban of social media in Australia – there’s clearly a lot to unpack! 😶 The general consensus seems to be that an outright ban isn't the solution. Many of you highlighted that, while there are real concerns about the effects of social media on kids' mental health, banning it outright is not addressing the root issues. Instead, there’s a need for reforms, improved safety measures, and education to help kids navigate this complex world responsibly. Some of you reflected on the importance of guiding children from an early age on how to use social media in healthy ways—teaching them about the dangers of comparison, time management, and the risks of online interactions. Others pointed out that social media can offer learning opportunities and awareness of global issues that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. The key seems to be moderation and guidance, rather than elimination. A few comments emphasised putting pressure on social media platforms themselves to take more responsibility for managing harmful content. The idea of content moderation that nurtures and inspires, instead of merely entertaining, came up as a potential way forward. There were also suggestions for stricter measures, such as ID verification to ensure users are who they claim to be, and banning filters that perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards. Overall, this conversation is a reminder that, while social media can be a superpower for education, connection, and creativity, it also requires significant reform to ensure it benefits young people rather than harms them. The solution isn't simple, but as many of you pointed out, it’s about taking steps to diminish the negative influence and enhance the positive aspects. Thank you for helping me think deeper about this complex issue!

The article "Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024" from Pew Research Center delves into the evolving landscape of teen interactions with technology and social media. The findings reveal significant trends, highlighting the increasing role of digital platforms in shaping youth communication, self-image, and social connections. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for parents, educators, and tech developers alike. Read more here: [Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024](https://lnkd.in/ghSnGBzr) #SocialMedia #TechnologyTrends #PewResearch #YouthEngagement #DigitalCommunication

This week, we've spent considerable time researching what science has discovered about the effects of social media on children and youth. Although the fact that this is all so new and research is still ongoing, it's important to give teens so basic information that can help them understand their love for social media a bit better. For example: As people hit puberty, their brains develop in ways that make them more sensitive to social feedback. This sensitivity is amplified by experiences on social media, where approval (and disapproval) can be instant and widespread. Young brains are less able to resist impulses, which can lead to actions that offer immediate gratification but may have negative consequences later. Social media, with its constant stream of notifications and updates, can be a prime example of this. Many social media features are designed to keep users online and engaged, often exploiting the developmental characteristics of young users. This can make it difficult to stop scrolling, ignore notifications, or avoid engaging with potentially harmful content. Awareness of these factors can help individuals take control of their online behavior and prioritize real-life connections. #thefutureisnow #socialmedia #digitalcitizenship #datagirl

Social media is destroying society. Years ago, the internet let me stay in touch with people I met abroad. The internet offered a vision of universal knowledge, tolerance, and free speech. Restraining it would be like “trying to nail Jello to the wall”(President Clinton). Now, the internet fuels authoritarianism, surveillance, polarization, lies, and nationalism. Teenage suicide rates are rising, and AI-generated content is just getting started.  Memes and disinformation replaced debate and human connection. Social media isn’t social anymore. People don’t share real opinions or vulnerabilities due to risks to their friendships, careers, and personal freedom – the risk is not worth the reward. But it’s not too late. Offline, people are friendly, moderate, and open-minded, leading to meaningful debates. We need to replicate this online. In 2018, I started the Foundation for a Human Internet, after realizing the same dangerous, systematic trends were tearing apart societies in Germany, the U.S. and Indonesia. Now, we are launching Helio (https://www.helio.social/), a new social media app designed to protect mental health, reduce self-censorship, and safeguard privacy. After connecting with friends, Helio allows users to post, comment, and chat while using ‘Incognito Mode’ within existing trusted communities. This creates candid and honest conversations. After 2 years of work and countless iterations, Helio is now live on the App Store. Try it out – you’ll love it!! Please reach out if you want to help us disrupt the toxic influence of social media, starting on U.S. colleges. Everyone can help!