Manitoba will ban youth from using social media and AI chatbots, Premier Wab Kinew announced on Saturday.

The proposed law protecting youth from the harmful effects of social media will be the first of its kind in Canada.

The premier said the platforms are intentionally designed to get people “addicted to the infinite scroll,” contributing to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

“They’re doing these very awful things to kids all in the name of a few likes, all in the name of more engagement, and all in the name of money,” Kinew said at an NDP fundraising gala in Winnipeg on Saturday night.

“More money for a group of rich tech bros who already have a ton.”

Social media use among youth has been linked to health issues ranging from reduced sleep and attention to long-term mental health issues, but academics say more study is needed to establish causes.

  • rozodru@piefed.worldEnglish
    2·
    5 days ago

    ok Kinew and who are you contracting out to do all this? “more money for a group of rich tech bros” sorry Wab but SOME rich tech bros are going to get richer with this decision of yours. Companies like Meta aren’t lobbying for this crap just out the pure goodness of their hearts, there’s a reason behind it. there’s a lot of money to be made behind it.

    The premier didn’t say the age the province is considering for the ban, how it will be enforced, or a timeline for when it would be implemented. He didn’t speak to reporters after his speech.

    Just more NDP bullshit of “we have an idea, we have no idea how we’re going to do said idea, but we’re going to move forward on said idea based purely on hopes and dreams” I had hopes for Wab but stuff like this just shows the NDP still haven’t learned anything.