Facebook: How low can it go?

Berlin Graffiti  (Photo by Victorgrigas)

As Facebook lowers the age of its target audience, its “new messaging app aimed at kids” might soon be messing with childhood innocence.

Many adults lack the skills to handle social media wisely.  What does this then imply about the readiness of a preteen?  Facebook’s own first president, Sean Parker, has warned against “exploiting vulnerability in human psychology.”

Behavioral pediatrician Jenny Radesky explained that “younger children haven’t yet developed the cognitive skills… to realize when persuasive technology design might be manipulating them.”  Youths are generally not able to effectively “navigate the complexities of online relationships or protect their own privacy.”

Resources

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/facebooks-new-messenger-kids-app-in-activists-crosshairs

'Education, Not Criminalization'

Birkenau Ruins   (Photo by WeEzE)

There’s a popular definition of empathy that’s been around for quite some time, i.e., walking a mile in another person’s moccasins.

None of us know for sure what we would do if faced with horrific choices.  Would empathy surface, or would we drown in the dregs of our own fear?

When the Nazis occupied Poland, they ordered that absolutely no help be given to Jews. “Even offering [Jews] a glass of water was punishable by death.”  Six million Polish citizens were done away with, three million were Jews.

Does this make Poland the criminal or the victim?  Were those who saved their own necks complicit murderers?  These are vital questions to consider.

A strong dose of empathy is needed.  Rather than criminalize accusations, why not seek to understand them via education?  Between Israel’s anguish and Poland’s anger, there might then be some common ground.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/polish-senate-passes-holocaust-bill-slammed-by-israel/ar-BBIxijF?li=BBnb7Kz&item=personalization_enabled:false&OCID=ansmsnnews11

Copyright February 2018 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved

Because you never know...

Butler in 2009  (Public Domain)

The NBA world was badly shaken by the sudden deaths of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah.  They died in a car accident early yesterday morning.

Players openly grieved with messages such as these:  I appreciate the advice you shared, not just about basketball but life. (John Wall)  Prayers to both of their families through this tough time. (Kevin Love) Rest easy my brother. See you when I get there!!! (Alan Iverson)

Two messages were especially meant for the living:  Life is too short… be thankful! Tell your loved ones you love them every chance you get! (Tyus Jones)  RIP Rasual Butler appreciate the people around u because u never kno (Paul Pierce)   

Resources

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/rasual-butler-death-wife-leah-labelle-car-crash-nba-reaction-heat-pelicans-pacers-dwyane- wade-kyle-lowry/1v9aufw8ix10r1blegh4oaavz5