Criticism of radiation and digital manipulation: How tech giants threaten childhood and society

Read what Jonathan Haidt had to say at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Davos, January 2025: "How to make the 'anxious generation' happy again"

Criticism of radiation and digital manipulation: How tech giants threaten childhood and society
Tagesanzeiger.ch, February 2025 - auto-translation

The talk by US psychologist Jonathan Haidt at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has sparked an intense discussion about the effects of smartphones and social media on children and young people. His core message: Smartphones and platforms like TikTok or Instagram permanently damage the mental and physical health of children. It is worth a critical look not only at the social and psychological consequences, but also at the potential health risks caused by electromagnetic radiation.

Radiation exposure in children's daily life

The increasing smartphone use by children and adolescents poses not only social and psychological, but also physical risks. Studies have already pointed out the potentially harmful effects of mobile radio radiation several times, especially in prolonged and repeated use. Due to thinner skull bones and a still developing brain, children's heads absorb even more radiation than adults. Although the long-term consequences remain controversial, the scientific debate shows a caution towards chronic radiation exposure.

Social media as a "poison for the brain"

Haidt described short video formats such as TikTok clips and Instagram-reels as a «gift for the brain». They promote rapid, superficial stimulus processing and block the ability to concentrate on complex content. However, the technical basis of these apps, among them sophisticated algorithms, deserves criticism. These systems manipulate users' behavior, keep them on the screen for as long as possible and expose children to increased radiation exposure through WiFi and mobile data.

Lack of exercise and nature experience

In addition to the psychological strains caused by social media, children also lose valuable time for exercise, social interaction and experiencing nature due to the high consumption of digital content. These activities, however, are essential for holistic development and promote not only cognitive performance but also protection against civilization diseases.

Social responsibility and regulation

The economic success of tech giants like Alphabet and Meta goes hand in hand with their power to influence society. In addition to mental health, misinformation and targeted manipulation by social media threaten democratic structures as well. Europe and individual countries around the world are reacting with stricter regulations. But often the discussion about the radiation problem in connection with the use of social media remains stagnant.

Call for action

Jonathan Haidt closed his lecture with clear demands:

1. Children under 14 should not own smartphones.
2. The use of social media should only be allowed from a minimum age of 16.
3. Cell phone-free zones in schools should be implemented worldwide.

At the same time, the discussion about radiation exposure should be seen as part of these demands. Parents, teachers, and politicians must work together to ensure that the next generation is protected not only emotionally, but also physically from the risks of the digital world.

Positive effects of banning mobile phones

Showing examples from the United States: Cell-free schools not only promote social interaction, but also reduce conflict and improve school performance. At the same time, a limited smartphone use minimizes radiation exposure in children's everyday life - an often overlooked but significant advantage.

Conclusion

Criticism of tech companies and social media must urgently be complemented by the dimension of the health risks caused by radiation. Conscious handling of digital technology is necessary to protect children from the negative impacts on body and mind. Tech giants, educational institutions and governments have a common responsibility here.

Source: Tagesanzeiger.ch - "𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗸 𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗪𝗶𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗴𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗵𝗲𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗲𝗻"  (link to original article unavailable)