Dr. Phil cautions Ted Cruz about harmful algorithms targeting children.
The Targeting of America’s Youth Through Social Media: A Crisis
In a recent podcast hosted by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Dr. Phil McGraw, the renowned host of the TV show ”Dr. Phil,” expressed his concerns about the targeting of America’s youth through social media.
Sen. Cruz highlighted the fact that today’s kids face pressures that are qualitatively different from what previous generations experienced. He emphasized the alarming influence of social media on young minds and asked Dr. Phil about his worries and what parents should do about it.
“Well, a lot about it worries me because it’s not just that there’s competing information out there,” McGraw responded. “Our children today — and if I sound like a conspiracy nut, let me tell you, I’m not a conspiracy nut — and I ask anybody that’s listening to my voice right now, I’ve — you said I’ve written nine books. That’s true.”
“One of the things I talk about is the fact that our children aren’t just being exposed, they’re being targeted,” he continued. “And when I say targeted, I wrote a book in, I think, 2004 called ‘Family First.’ And at that time, I said the family in America is under attack, that families in America are under attack. The family unit, the family values, everything that families stand for in America are under attack. This was 20 years ago. Let me tell you, it is so much worse now than it was then.”
Dr. Phil emphasized that social media sites pose a major threat to children. He shared a shocking example of a research study where a fake account was created for a 14-year-old girl. Within hours, she started receiving toxic information related to eating disorders and suicidality. The algorithm behind social media platforms feeds users what they are likely to click on, amplifying the exposure to harmful content.
According to Dr. Phil, these attacks on children not only harm individuals but also erode society as a whole. He stated, “If you want to create chaos in a society, where do you start? You attack the children.” The current high levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young people are clear indicators of the detrimental effects of social media.
Multiple studies support Dr. Phil’s concerns. An advisory released by the Office of the Surgeon General highlights the increased risk of poor mental health outcomes for adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media. Additionally, a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that excessive social media use predicts poor mental health and well-being in teens.
The targeting of America’s youth through social media is a pressing crisis that demands attention and action from parents, educators, and policymakers. It is crucial to protect our children from the harmful influence of algorithms and ensure their well-being in the digital age.
Source: The Western Journal
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