Bob Schwartz

The panic about the negative impact of social media goes on. For example, there is a renewed effort to ban it for young people, including one suggestion to bar anyone under 18.

There are many ways these efforts are misguided. Most of all, because they are unworkable and ineffective.

If there is any way to curtail a possibly dangerous social behavior, banning it is the worst. There is a better possibility, though that is also hit and miss. Offer an alternative that fulfills the same need, that satisfies equally, or at least comes close.

Easier said than done. In the case of social media, the first step is determining what needs are being filled. Then find an equivalent alternative.

Going wayback, see the movie West Side Story. The earnest social workers arrange an old-fashioned dance for the disaffected teenagers. It is orderly for a few minutes, but quickly evolves into conflict. Why? Because the need of these young people to dominate the territory and to keep the tribes separate is too great to be moderated by that solution. Even if the outcome is death and misery, the dance at the gym was never going to be an effective alternative.

Analysts, legislators and social engineers should quit the pointless calls for bans and come up with attractive alternatives, which may not even be available. But worth their being more thoughtful and creative.

© 2024 by Bob Schwartz