Ep. 330: Tackling Social Media’s Hidden Dangers

In this episode of Deep Questions, Cal Newport explores Australia's groundbreaking law that prohibits social media use for children under 16. He weighs the pros and cons of the ban, addressing issues like bullying, peer pressure, anxiety, and online dangers against concerns about privacy and potential social isolation. Newport suggests an alternative approach using age verification at the operating system level and ultimately backs the legislation as a way to encourage a shift in societal attitudes toward children's technology use. The conversation also delves into the concept of "techno-selectionism," promoting a more thoughtful and flexible relationship with technology. Newport emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the advantages and risks of technology, sometimes advocating for a step back from it altogether.