Natalie Boll, with a background in film and TV, was familiar with social media. However, she was taken aback when her teenager faced cyberbullying after receiving her first phone in Vancouver.
“Initially, my instinct was to disconnect… I deleted all online presence for both myself and my daughter,” she recounted.
Despite this, Boll later realized the drawbacks of this approach, feeling isolated herself, losing connections she had built over 15 years. Her eldest child also struggled to maintain friendships without the digital platforms she was accustomed to.
Recognizing the need for balance, Boll voiced her concerns about the negative aspects of social media platforms with harmful content, addictive features, and overwhelming feeds, emphasizing the importance of finding a middle ground.
In recent times, social media has faced scrutiny, with various governments considering measures like Australia’s ban on social media for individuals under 16 and ongoing legal actions against Meta in New Mexico for allegedly facilitating online spaces where children are vulnerable to exploitation.
While some voices in Canada advocate for banning social media for younger users, others suggest a more nuanced approach to address the challenges.
Prioritizing User Safety and Well-being
Collaborating with advisors from Oxford University, Boll has introduced Tribela, a new social media platform focused on ensuring user safety and well-being by offering a balance between digital detox and excessive scrolling.
- Just Asking wants to know: Do you have questions about social media addiction or accountability for social media companies? Feel free to send us your inquiries before our Feb. 21 broadcast.
According to Boll, traditional social platforms are primarily designed for adults, with safety features added later for younger users. In contrast, Tribela is built on “safety-by-design” principles, incorporating automatic content filtering to block inappropriate content and empowering users to curate their feeds.
Tribela avoids elements like auto-play videos, endless scrolling, likes, or follower counts to promote a healthier and more engaging online experience, encouraging users to connect, consume content, and then engage in real-life activities.
Age Restrictions Still Essential: Advocate
While the emergence of safety-focused social media platforms is promising, Robin Sherk, a parent advocate from Unplugged Canada, emphasizes the necessity of age restrictions due to the prevalence of social media and smartphones among today’s youth.
While acknowledging the importance of creating a healthier online environment for youth, Sherk stresses the need for age-appropriate interactions and safeguards to protect young users.
Designing a Different Space
Matt Hatfield, the executive director of Open Media, welcomes initiatives like Tribela and Gander Social, which aim to create intentionally structured online spaces for social interactions.
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