The NSW Government is taking proactive steps to address the growing concerns surrounding social media use, particularly its impact on young people. With the upcoming Social Media Summit, scheduled to take place in Sydney and Adelaide in October, the government is inviting members of the community to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions through a „Have Your Say“ survey.
This two-day summit, a collaborative effort between the NSW Government and the Government of South Australia, aims to bring together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, academics, young people, and the wider community to delve into key issues related to social media. Topics of discussion will include the impacts of social media on children, online safety, disinformation and misinformation, online hate and extremism, and the evolving role of social media in government services.
One of the highlights of the summit will be a keynote address by Frances Haugen, a prominent whistleblower and advocate for transparency in social media. Haugen is known for her courageous efforts to expose the inner workings of social media companies and her advocacy for accountability and ethical practices in the digital realm.
The „Have Your Say“ survey is a crucial component of the summit, as it will directly inform the discussions and help the government formulate practical solutions to address the issues posed by social media. By engaging with the community through this consultation, the NSW Government is demonstrating its commitment to making informed decisions that reflect the needs and concerns of its citizens.
Day one of the summit in Sydney will focus on key themes such as formulating a public health response to social media harm minimization, addressing social media harms within educational settings, understanding the role of social media in shaping identity and worldviews, combating extremism and misogyny online, and creating positive digital communities.
NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of listening to young people about their online experiences and creating a safer and more positive online environment for everyone. He expressed his pleasure at having Frances Haugen as a keynote speaker, highlighting her expertise and insights on the critical issues surrounding social media’s impact on society.
Frances Haugen, in turn, stressed the need for accountability and ethical practices in social media, stating that it is time to demand more from online platforms for the sake of children and society as a whole. She believes that social media can bring out the best in us if we are willing to fight for it.
Overall, the Social Media Summit promises to be a significant event that will shed light on the challenges posed by social media and explore potential solutions to create a safer and more positive online environment for all. Through community engagement and expert insights, the NSW Government is taking proactive steps to address the complex issues surrounding social media use.