US Senators have accused Facebook of disregarding research showing harm to teens.

Senators grilled Facebook executives recently, accusing them of ignoring internal research indicating that social media can harm teens. Lawmakers demanded that Facebook executives explain the company’s efforts to attract young users despite evidence that Instagram, owned by Facebook, makes body image issues worse for many teen girls, and is linked by teens themselves to anxiety and depression. “Instagram is that first childhood cigarette meant to get teens hooked early,” said Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). “Exploiting the peer pressure of popularity and ultimately endangering their health.” Antigone Davis, Facebook’s global head of safety, said the company’s platforms “actually add value and enrich teens’ lives.” [The Wall Street Journal]

My comment: “….actually add value and enrich teens’ lives? “. Really, Antigone Davis – are you serious? Everything I have heard and read suggest that the company’s platforms make them feel inadequate and unhappy. Why do we inflict this on kids in the name of “freedom of speech”?