The main tech giants have refused to take down videos viewed by the Southport killer of 3 beautiful little girls. How many more deaths will be caused in the name of “free speech”?
I do not understand the arguments hate content being banned? META have just paid Trump $25 million in compensation for banning him after the Capitol attack.
In a very similar way smoking was allowed and promoted for decades after it was shown to be harmful – indeed a recent Health Secretary said we should do away with the ban on smoking in public places.
So homophobic, racist, misogynistic videos are promoted as being macho (memories of Marlborough smoking adverts!). Social media is worse than smoking in many ways. It can be hidden and cause damage on many levels. The macho image of “strong men” where violence is acceptable. The undermining of masculinity has reached silly proportions with a name given to those who blame women for spurning them. Andrew Tate is seen as a hero despite accusations of rape, organising prostitution and promoting violent behaviour. Then Trump who is also a convicted felon for sexual offences, who says that it was OK to grab a girls fanny! And tens of millions voted for him!
Not only that but the porn sites desensitise the young and make ‘saying no’ to anything prudish. Porn is the major winner, financially, of the internet!
But there are other insidious impacts. My oldest grandchildren have used their phones at the dinner table – although if I am honest discussions with a rarely seen grandfather was a bit stilted! But they would have benefited from joining in? Conversing with others not present should not be permissible unless shared?
On this topic I was privileged to visit my girls recently. The only time phones were used was to share information (new employers – Hotel in Fowey – information), or to develop a conversation.
So phones and the internet, used sensibly is good. However whilst the main providers remain oblivious of the problems, or more likely determined to extract maximum profit.
So yet again we need to have a sensible discussion about social media.
Can someone develop a format for discussion of relevant products similar to the 20 minute slots on TED Talks – but in a discussion format? Proper journalism!