Social media has completely changed the way in which we interact with one another. Checking the morning Instagram feed has become the 21st-century equivalent of reading the morning paper and most don’t think twice about it.
But recently, social media giant Facebook has announced its intentions to make a brand new Instagram platform for children under the age of 13-years-old. And so far, it’s been hit with a myriad of mixed reviews.
In the past decade, Instagram has become one of the most popular and widely used social media apps on the on the internet.
Instagram first launched in 2010 and was bought out in 2012 by the social media leviathan Facebook — to the tune of $1 billion . At the time, it was the largest acquisition in the company’s history.
As of 2018, not even a decade later, Instagram was valued at over $100 billion and boasted more than 500 million daily active users.
Up until now, users had to be at least 13-years-old in order to create an account.
The only way to get around the age restriction is for a user to have verifiable parental consent . This was done to help safeguard users against child exploitation and protect the company from any potential lawsuits.
But after a recent announcement made by Instagram’s Vice President, Vishal Shal, it would appear as if all of that is about to change. He announced that Instagram is changing its marketing plan and aiming it directly at children.
“I’m excited to announce that going forward, we have identified youth work as a priority for Instagram,” Shal said. “And have added it to our H1 priority list.”
The statement appeared on an employee message board and was published via Buzzfeed News. The statement explains how Instagram is looking to add a pillar of youth within the company and cater an experience designed specifically for teens and children under the age of 13.
Shal also stressed how above all else, what mattered most was ensuring the safety of young, impressionable first-time Instagram users.
Even though this new version of Instagram would be managed strictly by parents, it still has many feeling concerned.
The attorneys general from 44 different states each took the time to write Facebook directly, begging them to reconsider their decision. On top of that, the National Association of Attorneys General penned an open letter to Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.
“Use of social media can be detrimental to the health and well-being of children, who are not equipped to navigate the challenges of having a social media account,” the letter begins .
“Further, Facebook has historically failed to protect the welfare of children on its platforms.”
The letter goes on to accuse Facebook of manipulating market demand:
“It appears that Facebook is not responding to a need, but instead creating one, as this platform appeals primarily to children who otherwise do not or would not have an Instagram account.”
Facebook released a statement of their own, refuting the claims of market manipulation.
They argued in their letter of defense, “As every parent knows, kids are already online .” Facebook reps continued, explaining that “We want to improve this situation by delivering experiences that give parents visibility and control over what their kids are doing.”
The company also stressed how they were partnering with mental health experts, as well as child safety and privacy advocates to ensure the best experience for all parties involved.
The company is also working on advance AI in order to better understand the real age of users.
This machine learning technology will act as a second safeguard to anyone who is trying to manipulate the age barrier, whether they’re a child or an adult. Facebook has also said that they will be restricting messaging capabilities between teens and adults.
What do you think? Are children under the age of 13 too young for their own Instagram account or do you think that this is simply the logical next step? Leave a comment and let us know!
