Social Media Algorithms Pose Risks to Youth, SRF Investigation Reveals
Zurich, Switzerland - A new educational resource from Swiss public broadcaster SRF warns that algorithms powering popular social media platforms can pose important dangers to young people, possibly influencing behavior and contributing to risks like self-harm and suicide. The resource, titled “Die Social Media Falle” (The Social Media Trap), is slated for release on September 30, 2028, and is designed for students in Sek I and Sek II (middle and high school levels).
The SRF program addresses a growing concern among educators and parents: the subtle yet powerful ways social networks like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Discord utilize algorithms to curate content, potentially exposing vulnerable teenagers and young people to harmful material or reinforcing negative thought patterns. The resource emphasizes the importance of recognizing the connections between online interactions and real-life consequences, aligning with learning objective MI.1.1.e, which focuses on understanding the interplay between physical, media, and virtual spaces.
Produced by Java Movies, the program delves into key areas including the impact of social media on self-perception, the role of algorithms in shaping online experiences, and the legal frameworks surrounding online safety. Keywords associated with the resource include social media, algorithms, the “Big Five” personality traits, Meta, and issues of protection, danger, and mental health. The SRF initiative aims to equip students with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the complexities of the digital world and understand the potential pitfalls of unchecked algorithmic influence.
