I would say no to this question. I am not convinced that features encouraging offline interaction on social media would be truly effective. It feels similar to the warning labels on cigarette. …Read MoreI would say no to this question. I am not convinced that features encouraging offline interaction on social media would be truly effective. It feels similar to the warning labels on cigarette packages. In spite of warnings, people still smoke even when they read “smoking kills.” Behavioral change rarely happens simply because of a warning message. If there were clear evidence that such features significantly reduce online addiction or isolation, then it might be worth trying, but without the evidence, I think it becomes unnecessary regulation.
In addition, some methods could even backfire. For instance, using disturbing or fear-based messages might be inappropriate for young users who make up a large portion of social media users. Instead of adding warning-style features, what matters more is building a shared public understanding about healthy online behavior. In my view, forcing a platform to include such features would be excessive government or corporate intervention rather than a real solution. Read Less
I don’t really have a concrete opinion on whether it is necessary for social media platforms to create features that encourage offline interactions, and that is why I voted maybe. Encouraging offline …Read MoreI don’t really have a concrete opinion on whether it is necessary for social media platforms to create features that encourage offline interactions, and that is why I voted maybe. Encouraging offline engagement supports mental well-being by reducing the negative effects of excessive screen time and social comparison. But even if it is encouraged by these social media platforms, in the end it is still up to the user whether they are going to stay using the app or logging off. The only way for that to actually work the way it is supposed to, it should be not just encouraged but actually enforced so that users can’t get on the platforms after a certain amount of time but that is obviously not favorable to these social media platforms as that would decrease their engagement and app usage.Read Less
While it seems unlikely that any major social media or tech company would advocate for their consumers to spend more time off their screens, I would agree that messaging to promote time away from …Read MoreWhile it seems unlikely that any major social media or tech company would advocate for their consumers to spend more time off their screens, I would agree that messaging to promote time away from devices could be beneficial. I don’t believe that the best way to do this is with warnings or caution labels over screen-time, but instead helping people, especially children, to understand that time away from their device is necessary. On social media platforms the way that people engage with each other and with the world is significantly different than how people engage with others and their surroundings on a day-to-day basis. The myriad of reputable studies concerning how children react to excessive social media exposure could exemplify this. There is a tendency online for individuals to make inflammatory claims, for example, or act in ways that they would not if the interaction had taken place in person. People should be allowed to use social media for as long as they choose, but promoting activities like nature or sports, especially for those without experience, should also be important.Read Less
It could be helpful for platforms to create these features so that people can focus on real-life interactions and relationships, but they point of social media is to interact online and maybe with …Read MoreIt could be helpful for platforms to create these features so that people can focus on real-life interactions and relationships, but they point of social media is to interact online and maybe with people far away or that you don’t know in person.Read Less
Yes, I think implementing features to encourage offline access can be beneficial. People chronically spend so much time online and scrolling on social media that they can become isolated and …Read MoreYes, I think implementing features to encourage offline access can be beneficial. People chronically spend so much time online and scrolling on social media that they can become isolated and disassociated with reality and in-person social interaction. So, in my opinion, encouraging offline access more readily can promote healthier digital habits, reduce dependence, promote productivity, and going out and enjoying the world.Read Less
I would say no to this question. I am not convinced that features encouraging offline interaction on social media would be truly effective. It feels similar to the warning labels on cigarette. …Read MoreI would say no to this question. I am not convinced that features encouraging offline interaction on social media would be truly effective. It feels similar to the warning labels on cigarette packages. In spite of warnings, people still smoke even when they read “smoking kills.” Behavioral change rarely happens simply because of a warning message. If there were clear evidence that such features significantly reduce online addiction or isolation, then it might be worth trying, but without the evidence, I think it becomes unnecessary regulation.
In addition, some methods could even backfire. For instance, using disturbing or fear-based messages might be inappropriate for young users who make up a large portion of social media users. Instead of adding warning-style features, what matters more is building a shared public understanding about healthy online behavior. In my view, forcing a platform to include such features would be excessive government or corporate intervention rather than a real solution. Read Less
I don’t really have a concrete opinion on whether it is necessary for social media platforms to create features that encourage offline interactions, and that is why I voted maybe. Encouraging offline …Read MoreI don’t really have a concrete opinion on whether it is necessary for social media platforms to create features that encourage offline interactions, and that is why I voted maybe. Encouraging offline engagement supports mental well-being by reducing the negative effects of excessive screen time and social comparison. But even if it is encouraged by these social media platforms, in the end it is still up to the user whether they are going to stay using the app or logging off. The only way for that to actually work the way it is supposed to, it should be not just encouraged but actually enforced so that users can’t get on the platforms after a certain amount of time but that is obviously not favorable to these social media platforms as that would decrease their engagement and app usage. Read Less
While it seems unlikely that any major social media or tech company would advocate for their consumers to spend more time off their screens, I would agree that messaging to promote time away from …Read MoreWhile it seems unlikely that any major social media or tech company would advocate for their consumers to spend more time off their screens, I would agree that messaging to promote time away from devices could be beneficial. I don’t believe that the best way to do this is with warnings or caution labels over screen-time, but instead helping people, especially children, to understand that time away from their device is necessary. On social media platforms the way that people engage with each other and with the world is significantly different than how people engage with others and their surroundings on a day-to-day basis. The myriad of reputable studies concerning how children react to excessive social media exposure could exemplify this. There is a tendency online for individuals to make inflammatory claims, for example, or act in ways that they would not if the interaction had taken place in person. People should be allowed to use social media for as long as they choose, but promoting activities like nature or sports, especially for those without experience, should also be important. Read Less
It could be helpful for platforms to create these features so that people can focus on real-life interactions and relationships, but they point of social media is to interact online and maybe with …Read MoreIt could be helpful for platforms to create these features so that people can focus on real-life interactions and relationships, but they point of social media is to interact online and maybe with people far away or that you don’t know in person. Read Less
Yes, I think implementing features to encourage offline access can be beneficial. People chronically spend so much time online and scrolling on social media that they can become isolated and …Read MoreYes, I think implementing features to encourage offline access can be beneficial. People chronically spend so much time online and scrolling on social media that they can become isolated and disassociated with reality and in-person social interaction. So, in my opinion, encouraging offline access more readily can promote healthier digital habits, reduce dependence, promote productivity, and going out and enjoying the world. Read Less