When I was young, I always read my comic books again and again, mainly because I had a small collection - to the point I almost memorized them. But what you are re-re-re-consuming is still finite and it is upto your mind to discover new things and add the spice of imagination to keep it interesting.
> But isn't that the same line of argument we've seen with earlier "youth degradation scares"? Video games make you violent? Comic books make you unlearn reading? Rock music is satanic and turns your brain to mush? Reading leads to flight from reality?
A comic book presents a relatively static and limited window with tantalizing possibilities - that leaves a lot of legroom for your mind to wander and imagine things and be fascinated with them instead of immediately moving on to the next item on the infinite scroll. Regarding video games/rock music, I don't subscribe to the notions you mentioned. The main issue isn't what is that you are consuming (to be clear, that does matter) but are you consuming in moderation or is your brain overeating without digesting?
These statements were never proven empirically, while social media's addictive design and impact is at this point undeniably documented. That is the difference.
On further research, metastudies [1] tend to find out that there are tons of studies linking violent games to violent behaviour: "On the basis of this metaanalysis, we conclude that playing violent video games is associated with greater levels of overt physical aggression over time, after accounting for prior aggression."
Preventative measures never work. Mitigative measures should be how you enforce lessons. But everytime it's all about banning content, because sweeping it under the rug means kids won't try to dig, right?
Don't just say "GTA is bad don't play it". Explain what is bad about it (in very specific details), and why they should instead play something else until they get older. Don't treat it as if watching one act of violence or one sex scene will scar the kid for life. If they are old enough to go behind your back, they are probably old enough to be talked to about these topics. At least enough for them to understand why you disapprove.
> at least provide accurate information about age appropriateness with nuanced content warnings.
You say tomato, I say tomato?
If these things are so addictive, are there withdrawal symptoms? When I'm off the intertoobs for a few days (travelling) I suffer no withdrawal symptoms and don't miss it.
Back in the drama around facebooks' internal studies a few months ago, AFAICT it was all hot air and very sad quality studies, I couldn't believe the hype.
Are there other better studies showing harm that haven't been publicized as much?
That language is important when determining how to sue a company.
There is still a defined end state that encourage a break from consumption. How often do you finish a book and then immeadiately start reading from page 1 again.
Comic books can be collected and read all over again. They don't magically disappear once read. Same with books: I've recently started my annual re-read of LOTR, that book has cost me hundreds of hours of my lifetime. Someone should be able to sue the Tolkien estate.
> That surely can't be a good thing for your health.
But isn't that the same line of argument we've seen with earlier "youth degradation scares"? Video games make you violent? Comic books make you unlearn reading? Rock music is satanic and turns your brain to mush? Reading leads to flight from reality?