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