Thread by @docbhooshan

#Thread
#Social Media
#Harm #Children

Yesterday I ran a poll about possible harm to children due to internet access and social media.

Please read on about role of one faction in this.

https://twitter.com/docbhooshan/status/1306489854835011584?s=20

As a doctor, i am careful about what I prescribe to my patients and what I feed to my children.

I know that even lifesaving medicines can have side effects.

As a doctor my job is to weigh risk and benefits of intervention.
Informed decision needs to be taken by parents about any medical intervention.

Adequate information is available about these interventions on internet.

Now compare this with access to Internet and use of social media by children. Though it is not essential for life, it is essential part of what we call life at present.

Are you given any warning about potential side effects?

Do you have a trusted person like doctor to give you information about benefits and harm?

There are multi billion dollar companies involved to get you and your kids on as many media platforms as possible.

And they have your attention and interest.

There is a reason why pharma companies are not allowed to directly market to patients. Because harm can be substantial.

Comparing social media to pharma may be a stretch but harm is comparable or more with social media.

Unfortunately, any discussion about this brings out hoards of techies and libertarians attacking this "sensorship"

They always talk about "potential benefits" and are dismissive of any harm. Much like pharma representative visiting my clinic.

When children are harmed, affected and even driven to suicide due to harms of these media, who is responsible?

How many of these free thinkers make ANY effort to alert public about potential harm to children?

Blood and tears are on your hands people.

You can deny data about harm as much as you want. It is YOU and YOUR CHILDREN afterall.

Just don't talk to me about benefits without clearly accepting the potential harm.