The report [ADD LINK] is based on various one-on-one and group interviews with young people aged 12 to 16. “We wanted to involve them in the discussion about social media. There is a lot of talk about young people's use of social media, but we hear too little about what they themselves think about it,” says Lara Vreeswijk, researcher at Radboud University and one of the authors of the report. “This report shows, in their own words, what they need.”
Lots of contact, fun content
Because social media also offers them a lot, and according to young people, that is sometimes forgotten. “Staying in touch with friends and making new friends are what they cite as the best aspects of social media. There are downsides, though: cyberbullying and unwanted male contact. You can delete nasty comments yourself, but you're still likely to encounter unpleasant or unwanted messages from strangers”, explains the researcher.
Vreeswijk: “Many young people also simply enjoy interacting with all that content. Viewing stories from friends or influencers, or doing a challenge themselves, is generally seen as positive. They also use it to learn new hobbies and to get quick answers to questions.” The stumbling block here is that it can also be very addictive. “The algorithms of large tech companies make it easy to lose track of time; apps like TikTok and Instagram do everything they can to hold your attention. Young people sometimes feel powerless in this regard.”
Addictive algorithms
According to young people, it is precisely this role of algorithms that is an important part of the solution. They believe that platforms should take more responsibility for a safer online environment. “They must take measures to make their platforms safer and less addictive. Young people do not see this as something they themselves can influence much; they really expect action from the developers”, explains Vreeswijk. Young people mention, for example, stricter content regulation, better moderation and restrictions on addictive algorithms.
It is striking that this group does not prefer a solution from the government. Vreeswijk: “A social media ban for young people, such as in Australia, for example, does not solve the broader problems they experience. Age verification is easy to circumvent, they say, and it also takes away the positive aspects of social media.”
Try to understand, not to outlaw
Young people mainly expect parents and schools to think along with them, listen to them and guide them. “They want space to talk about what they experience online, without this immediately leading to restrictions. Taking away their phone as a parent or imposing a smartphone ban at school will not solve all the problems. As a parent, try to understand why young people are on social media and what they do there, and talk to young people at school about media literacy. By engaging in conversation, schools and parents can better meet their needs. Because young people themselves know very well what is going on."