Could banning social media lead to increased reliance on AI among students?

Australia has officially become the first country in the world to ban children under 16 from using social media. While there is widespread public support, some are concerned that this policy could lead to increased dependence on AI among children.

Dr. Gordon Ingram, a senior lecturer in psychology at RMIT University Vietnam, believes there are many obstacles making it difficult to ensure 100% enforcement of a ban on social media for children under 16. In reality, while girls tend to use "traditional" social networks like Instagram and TikTok, boys spend more time playing games with friends. "In fact, online gaming platforms have the nature of social networks. Here, children connect socially through online games instead of simply clicking 'like' or commenting," Dr. Ingram explained.

Smartphones, social media, and AI applications are becoming increasingly familiar to students.

PHOTO: NGOC DUONG

According to Dr. Ingram, social media isn't always harmful, as children can use it to share ideas, collaborate, and learn from their peers. Therefore, a ban could disrupt this positive collaboration in unforeseen ways.

"In the long run, banning social media could lead children to become more dependent on AI instead of cooperating with friends. They might also switch to messaging platforms like Zalo or gaming platforms like Discord or Roblox, where children's connections and activities are less visible to parents than on traditional social networks with public profiles like Facebook and Instagram," the lecturer told Thanh Nien . "These platforms could even pose more risks to children," Ingram warned.

Therefore, Dr. Ingram urged stakeholders to focus more on educating children and parents about online risks, helping children become more aware of online dangers and helping parents better understand how their children are using technology. This is the "digital safety" approach recommended by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which could serve as a basis for Vietnam to learn from.

"Digital safety also means advocating for technology companies to integrate more safety features into their applications and algorithms, and encouraging researchers and designers to give more careful consideration to the perspectives and activities of young people. Through this, we can build a safer, more inclusive internet that is more relevant to children's needs and protects them from vulnerable risks," Dr. Ingram shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cam-mang-xa-hoi-co-the-khien-hoc-sinh-phu-thuoc-nhieu-hon-vao-ai-185251211190123669.htm