Instagram’s Shift Towards Television-Like Content: Implications for Teens and Parents
Instagram is evolving, increasingly resembling television in design and content. This transformation may offer a semblance of comfort to some parents concerned about their children’s media consumption, but it also underscores the relentless efforts of tech companies to monopolize our attention spans. Recently, the platform announced a new default content setting for teen accounts, which aims to present users with content only comparable to what they might encounter in a PG-13 movie. Additionally, Instagram is investigating the idea of a TV app to allow users to watch Reels on larger screens in their homes.
The Argument for ‘Super-Television’
These developments align with Derek Thompson’s assertion that “everything is television.” A filing from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveals that merely 7% of user engagement on Instagram involves content from personal connections. Streaming content has proliferated, with podcasts even appearing on platforms like Netflix, while artificial intelligence generates a virtually endless loop of content designed to capture attention. As Thompson puts it, “Digital media, empowered by the serum of algorithmic feeds, has become super-television: more images, more videos, more isolation.”
A Brief History of Television and Its Cultural Impact
In its early days, television was restricted by technological constraints, regulations, and societal expectations. The limited number of channels led to the establishment of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) nearly a century ago, tasked with governing these airwaves. Concerns about TV’s negative impact on the public mind, particularly among the youth, were prevalent. Notably, broadcaster Edward R. Murrow criticized entertainment television in 1957, deeming it “the real opiate of the people.” In 1961, FCC chairman Newton Minnow famously labeled TV a “vast wasteland,” spotlighting the endless cycle of simplistic and violent programming. He would likely have had an even stronger disdain for platforms like TikTok.
The issues Minnow discussed were particularly acute for children, who could easily access inappropriate content. While the FCC imposed restrictions on broadcasting certain materials during specific hours, challenges remain today with digital platforms. Age verification continues to be a difficult problem for social media companies, which Instagram is now attempting to address.
The Search for Solutions to Protect Children Online
In today’s digital landscape, protecting children remains a bipartisan issue. Lawmakers are scrutinizing social media’s role in the youth mental health crisis and the potential dangers posed by AI tools. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn are advocating for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to enhance protective measures for kids using these digital platforms.
As new AI-powered feeds emerge, addressing the content issues on social media is becoming more complex. The notion of creating three distinct “internets” for different age groups—one for children under 13, one for teens, and one for adults—has surfaced as a potential solution. In theory, this would form PG, PG-13, and R-rated variations of the internet.
The Challenges of Age Verification Online
Implementing effective age verification remains a significant hurdle. Age verification methods are often cumbersome, with advocates for free speech warning that stringent checks may inhibit the rights of anonymous adults to access content protected under the First Amendment. Incidents such as the recent hack of an age verification company, which exposed sensitive user data, raise further questions about security measures. Moreover, current technologies like facial recognition or AI-based estimation of age are still not fully reliable. Kids are also adept at bypassing age restrictions, whether by lying about their birth dates or using virtual private networks (VPNs).
Reflecting on the past, when game shows and mild profanity were the primary concerns, reveals just how much the stakes have escalated. Today’s digital media, driven by intricate algorithms, fosters a uniquely interactive and addictive environment. Usage of these platforms has been linked to rising levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harm among teens.
The Potential for a Safer Digital Environment
If the proposed three-internet framework succeeds, it could represent a significant leap for parents eager to create a safer online experience for their children. Alongside age-appropriate content, it may lead to enhanced privacy protections, as already established in existing protections for minors.
Creating more secure digital feeds, akin to movie rating systems, may benefit not just children, but all users by promoting a healthier online environment. Instagram, along with its competitors, has shown that it is technically possible to implement such changes.
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