In Virginia, a law has recently been passed to limit the time school kids spend on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The brilliant minds behind this legislation seem to think that by simply cutting back on screen time, they can magically transform the digital lives of today’s youth. It’s a bold move and, for many parents, a glimmer of hope that perhaps they won’t have to worry about their kids losing themselves in the virtual rabbit hole that social media has become.
There have been countless studies linking increased screen time to issues such as depression, anxiety, and body image problems. Apparently, Virginia lawmakers believe that by intervening in the digital habits of their young constituents, they can pave the way to a brighter, more balanced future. It’s a nice thought, sort of like believing that a single broccoli floret will balance out a week’s worth of fast food consumption. For adults, however, there is an ever-so-slight hint that they might benefit from a similar detox due to the stress that comes with social media usage.
The conversation around the country remains split on whether such restrictions should apply beyond the schoolyard. There are those who propose a nationwide unfollowing from social media, as if hitting the digital snooze button could instantly heal societal divisions. Meanwhile, others advocate a tougher stance, akin to running a very tiny daycare, where accountability and sensible screen time cohabit. But let’s face it, convincing adults to put down their phones is like telling a dog to stop chasing its tail. Enter Joe Biden; as if his administration could adopt a ban on adult social media use. The thought alone could make even the most hardened cynic smile.
In this era of rapid information exchange, it seems fitting to remember that this very fast-moving train of technology can often go off the rails. While kids are the focus in Virginia, adults are frantically trying to keep up with the viral trends. From dancing like fools on TikTok to posting videos that would haunt their future political campaigns, the list of internet-induced faux pas is endless. Some even suggest outlawing certain parental social media ventures, like those cringe-worthy matching pajama holiday videos.
Ultimately, as much as social media has become intertwined with daily life, it doesn’t take a social scientist to notice that not every innovation has been for the better. Most might agree, social media has given the nation a front-row seat to the world’s greatest circus, where getting clicks has remarkably surpassed maintaining any semblance of dignity. But hey, if you disagree and wish to hash this out online, Jim Failla suggests a good old-fashioned Twitter debate. It’s where everyone politely disagrees and leaves with a smile, right?
