Richmond Students Spearhead Campaign for Social Media Regulation to Protect Youth Mental Health
A group of Grade 12 students from Hugh Boyd Secondary in Richmond, British Columbia, have launched a campaign called "Take Back the Algorithm," advocating for stricter social media regulations in Canada. Driven by growing concerns about the detrimental impact of social media on youth mental health, the students are urging federal and provincial governments to take action to protect young people from the potential harms of unregulated online platforms. Their campaign emphasizes the urgent need to address the negative effects of excessive social media use, including sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social isolation, which are increasingly prevalent among teenagers.
Macy Mercado and Ryan Monaghan, members of the student equity committee spearheading the initiative, highlight the pervasive influence of technology on their generation. Growing up immersed in the digital world, they recognize the lack of awareness and tools to effectively navigate the complexities and potential pitfalls of social media. The "Take Back the Algorithm" campaign seeks to raise awareness about these challenges and empower youth to regain control over their online habits, rather than being controlled by them. The students aim to encourage a healthier relationship with technology and promote strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on well-being.
Since launching the campaign last year, the students have actively engaged with government officials and organizations to advocate for policy changes. Their proposals include restricting the use of personal data in algorithmic recommendations for youth aged 16 and under, as well as enhancing algorithmic transparency. This would give young users greater insight into how social media platforms curate their content and potentially manipulate their online experiences. The students have achieved significant recognition for their efforts, receiving endorsements from the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, the Exploitation Education Institute, and former BlackBerry CEO Jim Balsillie, through his Centre for Digital Rights. These endorsements underscore the growing support for their cause and the recognition of the urgent need to address the issues they raise.
The students have adopted a multifaceted approach to their campaign, including writing an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, launching a Change.org petition, and developing resources to help youth break free from social media dependency. They acknowledge that while excessive phone use is common among their peers, a growing number of students are also taking steps to manage their social media consumption, such as setting app timers and utilizing "focus mode" to prioritize their daily lives. This shift in behavior indicates a growing awareness among young people of the need for greater control over their online habits. However, the students also recognize the inherent challenges in this endeavor, emphasizing the "uphill battle" teenagers face due to the addictive nature of social media platforms and the sophisticated algorithms designed to maximize user engagement.
To deepen their understanding of the psychological underpinnings of social media addiction, the students interviewed Dr. Ravi Lyler, a former Meta employee and moral psychologist, on their podcast. Dr. Lyler provided insights into how social media companies leverage psychological principles to make their platforms more addictive. This interview highlighted the secrecy surrounding the algorithms and the potential harm they can inflict on users, reinforcing the students’ call for greater transparency from social media companies. They emphasize the importance of understanding how these algorithms operate to protect users from manipulation and harmful content.
The students express particular concern about the spread of misinformation and harmful ideologies on social media platforms. They point to instances where creators promote negative or aggressive ideologies, which can influence young, impressionable users who may not yet have the critical thinking skills to discern harmful content. They argue that these platforms often prioritize "clicks and interactions" over the dissemination of positive and educational content. They urge governments to implement measures that prioritize and promote positive, educational content, creating a more constructive online environment.
In addition to advocating for algorithmic transparency and content regulation, the students propose the implementation of bi-annual reports on the effects of social media on radicalization and mental health, for both youth and the broader population. They believe that these reports would provide valuable insights into the ongoing impact of social media and inform evidence-based policies to mitigate potential harms. Their goal is to raise public awareness and ensure individuals are informed about the potential risks associated with social media use. The "Take Back the Algorithm" campaign represents a powerful youth-led movement to address the complex challenges posed by social media and advocate for a safer and healthier online environment for future generations.