Social Media: The New Nicotine.

[Alan B]

I've always thought as much.

Bill Maher says social media tycoons should “stop pretending that they are friendly nerd Gods building a better world.”

Instead, the “Real Time” host has called on them to admit they are “just tobacco farmers in T-shirts, selling an addictive product to children.”

“Let’s face it, checking your ‘likes’ is the new smoking,” he said Friday.

Maher referenced a recent CBS “60 Minutes” report on the concept of brain-hacking. It alleged that tech companies purposefully design addictive products which force people to constantly feel the need to “check in.”

“Every time you check your phone, you are pulling that slot machine handle because you may get that reward,” Maher said. “It’s come to this? You don’t exist until you get a smiley face?”

[Scot Dutchy]

There are just so many studies into this most coming to the same conclusion; social media is as addictive as any hard drug. We have laws banning hard drugs why are there not any laws against social media? So many kids are suffering with sleep problems due to social media.

Just an example: Sleep And Social Media: New Study Finds Link Between Facebook Use And Lack Of Sleep

[Alan B]

I had to hoot at some kid yesterday wearing earphones and staring into his phone walking across the road oblivious to on-coming traffic.

[Scot Dutchy]

They do that here cycling. It is amazing that there are not more accidents. The advantage of separate cycle lanes I suppose.

[Hermit]

Damn you, Al. Now I'm desperate for a freshly baked pretzel.

[NineBerry]

Maher is just sour because he hasn't lost five followers on Twitter last week.

[Hermit]

Maher is just sour because he hasn't lost five followers on Twitter last week.

[pErvinalia]

.

[Brian Peacock]

There are just so many studies into this most coming to the same conclusion; social media is as addictive as any hard drug. We have laws banning hard drugs why are there not any laws against social media? So many kids are suffering with sleep problems due to social media.

Just an example: Sleep And Social Media: New Study Finds Link Between Facebook Use And Lack Of Sleep

I'm for decriminalisation.

[JimC]

Ratz isn't addictive, I'm sure...

I could give it up any time I like...

[JimC]

And anyway, Ratz is anti-social media, so there...

[Scot Dutchy]

Sorry it is really pathetic seeing a group of kids staring into their phones and not saying a word to each other. Or a family in a restaurant staring into their phones during the meal!

[NineBerry]

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[Brian Peacock]

[JimC]

Reading books in companionable silence is a completely different kettle of fish...