We are currently conducting a massive, unregulated social experiment on the "Alpha Generation." We are raising children who have been told, since birth, that their emotions are only valid if they are "content."
One of the most contentious battlegrounds in this discussion is the role of the "family vlogger" or the reactive parent. In the early 2010s, "prank" channels dominated YouTube. Today, the "emotional reaction" video dominates Shorts and Reels. We are currently conducting a massive, unregulated social
The viral video of the crying girl serves as a stark reminder of social media's potential for harm when used irresponsibly. It calls for a collective reflection on our online behaviors, the content we choose to share, and the ways in which we interact with others online. As we move forward, it's imperative that we foster a culture of kindness, respect, and empathy on social media, one that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of individuals over the pursuit of virality. The viral video of the crying girl serves
Behind every viral clip of a distressed child is a real person whose worst moments are being used for engagement. When we like, comment, or share, we are participating in the exploitation of a minor who cannot consent to being the face of a global trend. Behind every viral clip of a distressed child
Child psychologists, digital ethics advocates, and many parents pushed back: