Question

Meta Faces U.S. State Lawsuits Over Teen Social Media Addiction

Meta (the parent company of Facebook) and other social media platforms like Snapchat are under scrutiny for allegedly contributing to social media addiction among teenagers.

Key Factors Behind the Rise of Social Media Usage Among Teenagers:

1. Addictive Algorithms:

   • Platforms use algorithms that exploit human behavior patterns, often relying on the "habit loop."
   • This loop encourages users to repeat actions to gain rewards, thus increasing time spent online.

2. Increased Access to Digital Devices:

   • With easier access to smartphones and other devices, usage has surged.
   • Social shifts, such as smaller families or both parents being employed, have led to less parental supervision over digital habits.

Risks and Concerns Related to Social Media Addiction:

1. Impact on Mental Health:

   • Excessive exposure can lead to cyberbullying and exacerbate mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

2. Decline in Physical Activities:

   • Children aged 9-13 are reportedly spending over 3 hours daily on social media or gaming, resulting in reduced outdoor activities.

3. Additional Concerns:

   • Increases exposure to cyberstalking and encourages unhealthy lifestyle patterns, such as sedentary behavior.

Measures to Address Social Media Addiction:

• Setting Age Limits: Introducing a minimum age requirement for accessing social media platforms.
• Technology Integration for Productivity: Encouraging the use of tools that foster healthier and productive digital engagement.

Initiatives to Mitigate Social Media Addiction:

• Age Restrictions by Platforms:

  • Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has implemented a self-imposed age limit of 13 years for users.

• Digital De-Addiction Programs (D-DAD):

  • The state of Kerala in India provides free counseling through de-addiction centers to children up to the age of 18, focusing on responsible use of technology.

• Guidelines by CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education):

  • In 2017, CBSE issued recommendations to schools on ensuring a safe and secure online environment for students.

Answer 1

Prelims Questions

1. Which of the following is a major contributing factor to social media addiction among teenagers?
   a) Lack of internet access
   b) Habit loop algorithms encouraging repetitive behavior
   c) Limited access to smartphones
   d) Increase in outdoor activities
   Answer: b) Habit loop algorithms encouraging repetitive behavior
   Explanation: Social media platforms employ algorithms based on human behavioral patterns, encouraging users to engage repeatedly through rewards.

2. Consider the following statements regarding social media addiction:

   1. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced guidelines for safe internet use in 2017.
   2. Kerala’s Digital De-Addiction Centers offer counseling only to students aged below 13 years.
   3. Meta has set a minimum age limit of 13 years for its platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
      Which of the above statements are correct?
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 1 and 3 only
      c) 2 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2, and 3
      Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
      Explanation: Kerala’s D-DAD program offers counseling to children up to 18 years old. Meta has a self-imposed age restriction of 13 years, and CBSE released internet safety guidelines in 2017.

3. Match the following initiatives with their objectives:

   Initiative	Objective
   1. Age Restriction by Meta	A. Encourages outdoor activities
   2. Digital De-Addiction (D-DAD)	B. Provides free counseling to children
   3. CBSE Guidelines (2017)	C. Ensures safe internet use in schools

   Options:
   a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
   b) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
   c) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A
   d) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A
   Answer: a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
   Explanation: The initiatives aim to restrict access for young users (Meta), offer counseling to youth (D-DAD), and promote internet safety in schools (CBSE).

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Mains Questions

1. "Analyze the impact of social media addiction on teenagers' mental and physical health and suggest policy interventions to address the issue."

   • Word Limit: 250
   • Points to Consider:
     • Influence of social media on mental health (anxiety, depression, cyberbullying)
     • Impact on physical activities and sedentary lifestyles
     • Policy measures like age restrictions, counseling services, and school-based guidelines

2. "Examine the role of algorithms and technology in driving social media addiction among youth. What steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of these algorithms?"

   • Word Limit: 300
   • Points to Consider:
     • Functioning of the habit loop and algorithmic behavior
     • Technological addiction versus productive engagement
     • Measures like parental control tools and responsible technology development

3. "Evaluate the initiatives taken by the Indian government and educational institutions to promote responsible use of social media among teenagers. What more can be done?"

   • Word Limit: 200
   • Points to Consider:
     • Existing measures like D-DAD centers and CBSE guidelines
     • Scope for collaboration between parents, schools, and tech platforms
     • Need for awareness campaigns and stricter regulations

Answer 2

Places in News: Algeria (Capital: Algiers)

The President of India recently visited Algeria, drawing attention to the country’s geopolitical and geographical significance.

Political Features

• Location: Algeria is a North African country situated in the Maghreb region.
• Maghreb Region:
  • Encompasses the Atlas Mountains and the coastal plains of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.
• Bordering Countries:
  • East: Tunisia and Libya
  • South: Niger, Mali, and Mauritania
  • West: Morocco and the Western Sahara
  • North: Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea

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Geographical Features

• Key Rivers: Chelif River and Djedi River
• Highest Point: Mount Tahat, the highest peak in Algeria.
• Climate:
  • Predominantly a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

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Prelims Questions

1. Which of the following countries is NOT part of the Maghreb region?
   a) Morocco
   b) Tunisia
   c) Egypt
   d) Algeria
   Answer: c) Egypt
   Explanation: The Maghreb region includes Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya, but Egypt is not part of this region.

2. What is the highest peak in Algeria?
   a) Mount Kilimanjaro
   b) Mount Tahat
   c) Mount Toubkal
   d) Mount Elgon
   Answer: b) Mount Tahat
   Explanation: Mount Tahat, located in the Sahara Desert, is the highest point in Algeria.

3. Which sea borders Algeria to the north?
   a) Red Sea
   b) Mediterranean Sea
   c) Arabian Sea
   d) Caspian Sea
   Answer: b) Mediterranean Sea
   Explanation: Algeria lies along the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

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Mains Questions

1. "Discuss the geopolitical significance of Algeria in the Maghreb region. How does Algeria’s geographical location influence its regional role?"

   • Word Limit: 250
   • Points to Consider:
     • Strategic location in North Africa
     • Influence of the Atlas Mountains and Mediterranean access
     • Algeria's relations with neighboring countries and Europe

2. "Examine the impact of the Mediterranean climate on Algeria’s agriculture and economy."

   • Word Limit: 300
   • Points to Consider:
     • Effects of warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters
     • Agricultural activities supported by Mediterranean weather
     • Challenges posed by climate variability