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Senators debated Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri On Wednesday, the question of whether the popular social media platform is making kids addicted, as lawmakers signaled that they want the government to restrict the company’s activities.
Mr. mosseri He insisted he Shared concerns about children using social media, but legislators Senate Commerce CommitteeConsumer protection was not buying a product security and data security panel. Lawmakers expressed concern that using the platform could harm children’s mental health and emotional well-being.
“Instagram is addictive. “This is the opinion that has been repeated over and over by experts in this field,” Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said at the hearing. “Parents know. And for teens who see Instagram’s algorithms promoting eating disorders, they think it’s nearly impossible to stop.”
Mr. mosseri He contested Mr Blumenthal’s allegations against his company.
Senator, with all due respect, I do not believe research has shown that our products are addictive. mosseri said. “The research actually said that young people struggling in 11 of the 12 difficult problems teens face: Instagram It helps more than harms.”
Mr. mosseri He insisted on trying to impress the senators. he had “the same goal” and wanted young people to be safe online.
“The internet is not disappearing and I believe there is important work we can do together as industry and policy makers to raise internet standards to better serve and protect young people,” he said. mosseri said.
The Instagram executive’s comments enraged Minnesota Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar, who said her office received constant phone calls and emails from parents struggling to deal with their children’s Instagram use.
Ms. Klobuchar said parents fear for their 10-year-old child, who is an Instagram addict.
“I think we have diametrically opposite goals, the goals of the parents there, and the goals of your company,” said Ms. Klobuchar. “Our kids are not cash cows, and that’s exactly what’s going on.”
Mr. mosseri He could not find a more welcoming welcome from the Republicans.
Senator Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, said he had received information about inappropriate content from parents in his state via Instagram’s Discover feature. He said his office created an account and found objectionable content.
“I’m running out of time, but I’m also running out of patience with a company that has repeatedly told us, ‘We are so worried about your children. We’re very worried, we’re getting a blue ribbon work done’ or ‘reviewing’ and stuff like that still happens,” said Mr. Lee.
The Senate panel’s review of the alleged harm done to children by social media companies has held four sessions lasting several hours since September, but it remains unclear exactly what solution lawmakers plan to pursue.
Mr Blumenthal expressed his desire to create an independent body to oversee social media platforms, and that MPs want to do more than just clenched the fist.
“I believe the time for self-regulation and self-control is over,” Mr. Blumenthal told Mr. Blumenthal. mosseri. “Some of the Big Tech companies said ‘trust us’, it seems Instagram it says in your statement but self-control depends on trust – trust is gone. What we need right now is independent researchers, objective overseers chosen from outside rather than by Big Tech, and a strong, vigorous enforcement of standards that stop the destructive, toxic content now often directed at children and leading them down rabbitholes into dark places. ”
On the eve of the trial, Mr. mosseri announced her the company will use a “harder approach” when addressing advice to young people in its implementation; and he He said the company will create new tools next year for parents and guardians to use to shape their children’s Instagram use.
The Senate’s next hearing, involving social media platforms, begins Thursday. Senate Commerce Committee The panel aims to examine the “dangerous algorithms” that social media platforms use when presenting content to people who use their products.
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