Silent Struggles: The Negative Impact of Social Media on Boys

Social media is wreaking havoc on the lives of our youth because of a twisted business model that maximizes engagement with negative and extreme content for profit. While girls are disproportionately hurt by these unchecked platforms, we are beginning to learn about the hidden harms to boys — sextortion, bigorexia, mental health challenges, and more. A panel of experts and researchers will take us on a deep dive into the ways boys get hurt by that platform’s business model that values profits over people.

This event will facilitate an informed and meaningful discussion of these harms, including a comprehensive explanation of how specific inner workings and design decisions on the platform are to blame. Panelists will share insights and expertise on how platform changes and policy fixes would result in an online environment that ensures the well-being of all our youth.

The panel was moderated by writer and reporter Alex Hawgood and featured the following panelists:

• Imran Ahmed: Founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate
• Thanasi Dilos: Co-founder of Civics Unplugged
• Dr. Mitch Prinstein: Chief Science Officer at the American Psychological Association

Watch the event recording.