Misdirection in Teen Safety Measures

Instagram's new teen accounts introduce private defaults, messaging restrictions, and parental supervision, ostensibly aimed at protecting minors online. However, critics argue these measures are insufficient and potentially a guise to evade stricter legislation. The planned use of AI to verify ages is seen as intrusive rather than a genuine commitment to safety. Surveys indicate significant discontent among Gen Z regarding social media, suggesting a backlash against these platforms. The lack of substantive changes to address harmful content, such as unwanted advances and violent material, raises questions about Instagram's commitment to genuinely protect teens, with some suggesting the platform is simply attempting to reposition itself amid growing regulatory pressure rather than implementing effective solutions. Ultimately, the onus of safety is wrongly placed on parents instead of the platform itself, which fails to provide necessary tools for teens to alert them to predatory behaviors.