Aviva Markowitz
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Parents all around the world are concerned about the rise in antisemitism TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, FaceBook, and X. TikTok, a social media platform that once used to be a place for fun dancing and lip-syncing videos, has now become an unsafe place for children to be on. Since the Israel-Hamas war started, people have been posting gory photos and videos of what is going on. After hostages were taken, warnings went out to parents of children with social media saying that Hamas will start posting videos of these hostages begging for their lives. Though the minimum to be on TikTok is 12, there are many kids who are younger seeing these videos and becoming victim to misinformation. Social media is already an unhealthy environment for teens’ mental health, causing them to compare themselves to each other, feel left out, and increase depression and anxiety. Adding a war to the mix filled with very complicated topics does not help. Scientists found that people who deleted social media felt more free and able to focus. Their time was spent on more productive activities, and their mental health improved tremendously. This study was done without the added stress of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Taking even a small break from social media is one of the best things to do right now to reduce anxiety and depression.
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