Major technology CEOs are getting ready to give testimony about safeguarding minors on social media, while a mother is taking legal action over her daughter’s suicide.
Tammy Rodriguez knows firsthand the critical importance of online safety for children. Tragically, her 11-year-old daughter Selena took her own life due to a severe addiction to social media that ultimately resulted in her being victimized by online predators.
Rodriguez, speaking to CBS News, expressed surprise at the extent of the situation. They stated that they would have never allowed her to have it from the start. These are all things that are kept concealed in the background. It appears that these large technology corporations have a firm grasp on how to benefit themselves, while parents are left in the dark about what is happening.
Rodriguez stated that her daughter’s involvement with social media initially began innocently.
A lawsuit has been filed against Meta and Snap for wrongful death, with the backing of the Social Media Victims Law Center. The suit claims that the companies created “faulty products that resulted in severe harm to users.”
She stated that they should be held responsible in Congress and to the families whose child was lost due to their actions.
A spokesperson from Meta gave a statement to CBS News, stating that they are dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of parents in their efforts to provide safe online experiences for teens. They have created over 30 tools and features to achieve this goal, including options for parents to set time limits for their teens on their apps, implementing age verification technology, automatically limiting DMs for teens under 16 from non-followers, and sending notifications to remind teens to take breaks. These are complex issues, but Meta will continue to collaborate with experts and listen to feedback from parents to develop new tools, features, and policies that are effective and cater to the needs of teens and their families.
A Snap spokesperson in a statement said, “Snapchat was designed differently from other social media platforms because nothing is more important to us than the well-being of our community. Our app opens directly to a camera rather than a feed of content that encourages passive scrolling and is primarily used to help real friends communicate.”
The representative stated that although there is always more work to be done, we are pleased with the role Snapchat serves in keeping friends connected, informed, and happy, and helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Durbin admitted that revising the regulations for social media is a challenging task. However, it remains true that action will be taken.
Rodriguez will be observing.
She declared, “We are now the voice of Selena.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or considering suicide, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by either calling or texting 988. Additionally, you have the option to engage in a chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
To obtain additional details on mental health care assistance and aid, you can contact The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine during their operating hours of Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET. They can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), by texting “HelpLine” to 62640, or by emailing [email protected].
Jo Ling Kent
Source: cbsnews.com