Uncanny Valley | WIRED

From Critics at Large: Will Kids Online, In Fact, Be All Right?

11 snips
Jan 2, 2025
Alexandra Schwartz, Vinson Cunningham, and Naomi Fry, all staff writers at The New Yorker, dive into the impacts of social media on today's youth, sparked by Lauren Greenfield's docuseries ‘Social Studies.’ They explore teenagers' struggles with identity and the pressure of validation amid a backdrop of cyberbullying and superficiality. The conversation touches on historical moral panics about youth culture and the alarming rise in mental health issues linked to screen time, highlighting the urgent need for more supportive online environments.
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ANECDOTE

Sydney's Social Media Journey

  • Sydney, a college freshman, initially posted provocative content on TikTok for validation.
  • She later shifted to wholesome content with new friends, but experienced cyberbullying after a falling out, highlighting the complexities of online identity.
ANECDOTE

Jack Schwartz: The Social Media Entrepreneur

  • Jack Schwartz, a wealthy teen, hosts a TikTok show about fashion costs, profiting from social media.
  • He represents the business side of platforms, exploiting teens' vulnerability for financial gain.
ANECDOTE

Girls Study Group

  • Alexandra Schwartz recalls her mother's involvement in a "girls study group" focused on teen girls' well-being.
  • This reflects a historical trend of concern about the younger generation, especially girls, fueled by books like "Reviving Ophelia."
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