Nohe era in which smartphones have become a natural extension of teenagers’ handsand not only for the truth, after various and insistent requests, Instagram also takes an important step towards greater awareness of its social role. The company isIndeed, activating these days in Italy accounts dedicated to teenagersnot just a technical update, but, at least in claims, a paradigm shift in how social media relates to younger generations. It all started last September, when Instagram launched this innovation in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Now, after three months, finally, too the young Italians will be able to benefit from a digital environment designed specifically for them. But what does this turning point really mean?
Teenage accounts to rethink the relationship with social media
Today’s teenagers they are the first generation to grow up in a completely digitalized worldwhere the distinction between online and offline life is increasingly blurred. And social media, from Instagram to TikTok to all the others, inevitably play a fundamental role. Which is also to defend young people from the dangers of the web. And to do this, it is not necessary to block access to social media, but to create safe spaces where children can express themselves and socialize without risks. The platform has thus introduced a series of measures to transform private accounts by default into a sort of “backyard”, where children can play and interact, but where parents know who comes in and out.
Digital sleep and time management
One of the most interesting innovations is the “Do Not Disturb Mode” automatic between 10pm and 7am which allows Instagram to act as a “digital parent”, turning off the lights when it’s time to go to sleep. Plus, a reminder after 60 minutes of use, reminds kids that there is a world outside the screen toosimilar to when parents called their children home after an afternoon of playing outdoors.
Today’s teenagers are the first generation to grow up in a fully digitalized world (Getty Images)
The delicate balance between control and freedom
The real challenge of these new accounts is finding the right balance between protection and autonomy. Instagram, it must be said, has chosen an interesting path: parents can see who their children interact with, but cannot read their private messages. It’s like giving them the keys to the house, while keeping a watchful eye on who they hang out with. Furthermore, the limitations on sensitive content and the automatic filtering of offensive words create a sort of “free zone”, where teenagers can move with relative freedom, protected from some of the most common pitfalls of the digital world.
A new social responsibility
This update is very important because, at least from the intentions, it also seems to represent an important change in the role of social media in society, transforming from simple sharing platforms, to social actors who know they have a responsibility in the education of new generations. The challenge now passes to families and educators: these new tools, in fact, while offering concrete support for managing the online presence of teenagers, certainly do not replace dialogue and digital education.
A look at the future of social media
The arrival of accounts for teenagers in Italy is only a beginning, but it seems to make clear the direction in which the future of social media is moving: increasingly personalized and safe spaceswhere technology adapts to user needs and not vice versa. So, no more wilderness to fear, but structured environments where young people can grow and socialiseaccompanied by tools designed for their protection and development.
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