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U.S. states investigate Instagram’s mental health impact on kids

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The group will be analysing how Meta’s app attracts young people to its platforms and its impact on mental health

Meta, formally known as Facebook, is being investigated by 8 U.S. states for breaking consumer protection laws by trying to attract kids to its platforms.

The group includes attorney generals from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee and Vermont. 

One attorney general says “Meta has failed to protect young people on its platforms and instead chose to ignore or, in some cases, double down on known manipulations that pose a real threat to physical and mental health — exploiting children in the interest of profit”.

The investigation will look into the methods that the company used to real kids into using and engaging with its social media networks as well as “the resulting harms caused by such extended engagement”.

Nebraska’s attorney general says the probe is vital “when social media platforms treat our children as mere commodities to manipulate for longer screen time engagement and data extraction”.

This follows reports that Instagram’s internal research highlighted the negative mental health impact of the platform on teens.

This led to court hearings where Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen blamed the company of “moral bankruptcy” after leaking thousands of pages of Facebook’s internal research to the media.

Facebook denies the allegations stating that the majority of users have a positive experience on their platforms.

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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Global leaders look to shape tech futures

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From disputed pay packages to tariff threats, global leaders are making waves in tech, trade, and innovation.

A U.S. judge has once again denied Elon Musk’s controversial $56 billion Tesla pay package, raising questions about the company’s governance practices. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s tariff threats against BRICS nations could derail de-dollarization efforts, adding tension to global trade dynamics.

Concerns are also growing around Super Micro Computer audits, which have sparked fears of potential vulnerabilities in the tech sector. Additionally, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has announced his departure, leaving questions about whether his efforts to revitalise the company met expectations.

These developments underline the influence of leadership on shaping the global tech landscape, as decisions continue to ripple across industries.

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Teens make use of AI in education as ‘Brain Rot’ goes mainstream

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A recent study sheds light on how teenagers are turning to generative AI for both social and academic purposes.

 

From using chatbots for emotional support to leveraging AI for essay writing, the study reveals both the creativity and risks associated with these tools.

Parents, however, are struggling to keep up. Many are unaware of how extensively their children engage with AI and lack understanding of its potential risks. The gap in awareness highlights the need for ethical discussions and better parental guidance around generative AI.

Meanwhile, Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year, “brain rot,” captures a growing cultural concern. The term, which originally appeared in the 19th century, now reflects the mental toll of consuming trivial and excessive online content. Its resurgence signals a collective awareness of the evolving relationship between technology and mental health.

Experts say these trends point to the need for critical conversations about the role of AI and social media in shaping our habits and well-being.

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Democrats move to resist Trump deportation plan

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Los Angeles officially declared itself a sanctuary city in a direct challenge to the incoming Trump administration’s plan to deport those in the U.S. illegally.

As one of the largest cities near the southern border, LA’s decision has sparked significant debate over the role of local governments in federal immigration matters.

City Council took the bold step by passing the sanctuary city ordinance, ensuring that no local resources are used to assist federal immigration enforcement.

Additionally, the city’s public school system has doubled down on its sanctuary status, passing emergency resolutions to protect undocumented students.

Critics argue that such actions undermine federal law and set a dangerous precedent, raising questions about the balance between local autonomy and national enforcement.

Keith Hanson the CEO of QUX Technologies, and a veteran law enforcement expert joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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