Social media platforms are promoting harmful content related to self-harm, depression, and suicide to teenagers, even after the implementation of new online safety laws. Research by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 97% of videos recommended to dummy accounts on Instagram Reels and 96% on TikTok were harmful. A significant portion of recommended harmful content on TikTok included references to suicide ideation and methods. The analysis highlighted that many videos had extensive views and likes, indicating a vast audience and persistent dangers for teenagers.
Social media platforms are still pushing harmful content related to depression, suicide, and self-harm to teenagers, undermining new online safety laws intended to protect children.
The analysis conducted by the Molly Rose Foundation revealed that 97% of recommended videos on Instagram Reels and 96% on TikTok's For You page contained harmful content.
Among the harmful posts analyzed, over half on TikTok referenced suicide and self-harm ideation, with 16% providing details on suicide methods previously unencountered by researchers.
Andy Burrows emphasized that the harmful algorithms overwhelm teenagers with dangerous content, urging the government for stronger measures beyond what Ofcom has instituted.
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