Today, we continue with our series on the dangers of algorithmically driven media consumption and digital media interaction for children. We are all familiar with the experience of encountering things that are inappropriate or disturbing on our timelines. Unfortunately, since the incentive of digital platforms is farming engagement, this means that algorithms bring you content that is guaranteed to evoke an emotional reaction, regardless of how positive or negative that reaction may be - and for the platforms, this disregard is a feature, not a bug. And the impact of such content that is either age-inappropriate or outright disturbing is much more pronounced for children who do not yet have the skills and discernment necessary to interact with it responsibly and to reduce the harm that it may bring. Which leads us to the second hidden danger of algorithms: exposure to monotonous or harmful content.
Algorithms do not distinguish between positive and negative reactions. Instead, they base their recommendations off of engagement - reactions of disagreement, anger, fear and outrage often lead to an increase in potentially triggering content that the user is exposed to. Since children, especially young ones, are not used to emotional self-regulation, and are often driven by a morbid curiosity, they may find themselves in an emotional spiral due to exposure to more and more things that are either inappropriate for their age (such as adult materials) or outright traumatising (such as images of violence and abuse). This may lead to a warped image of the world as a more dangerous and scary place than it actually is. In order to avoid this, it is good to emphasise to children that they can always come to you or other adults in their life for reassurance, and to talk about the feelings that being online provokes for them, and that there are ways to avoid being sucked into a triggering experience.
By teaching media literacy, emotional awareness, and critical thinking, we can help young people recognise how algorithms work, how to question what they see, and how to engage with technology without losing touch with themselves or reality.
At ABI School, we believe that education for the future must include digital awareness. Our mission is to raise informed, ethical, and empathetic citizens who not only use technology — but also understand it, shape it, and challenge it responsibly. 🌍💡
Because the best algorithm for the future is still a thoughtful, compassionate human mind. 💭
🔗Visit our website to learn more: abischool.fr
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