Ferguson (2024) is a meta-analysis of 27 experimental studies that finds causal effects are statistically no different than zero (but with significant heterogeneity).
Haidt & Rausch criticised Ferguson’s methodology on their blog and this sparked much debate. They argue that many of the studies only capture withdrawal symptoms and don’t follow subjects long enough to get past that stage and onto more positive experiences.
Another good study makes use of a natural experiment by looking at changes in student wellbeing at US universities in the early years of Facebook’s gradual roll out.
I’m not aware of any governments blocking experimental studies. Policymakers are desperate for better evidence to inform their regulatory decisions. Despite the ongoing debate among researchers, Australia are going full steam ahead and recently announced a ban on social media for all under-16s.
Despite the ongoing debate among researchers, Australia are going full steam ahead and recently announced a ban on social media for all under-16s.
Do you disagree with this? I guess in my opinion it seems responsible to gather enough data to feel confident in the health effects of something before we let the entire population start doing it.
Personally, I think it’s a bit hasty because we’re not sure if it will do more harm than good. Ideally, they would have piloted this in a smaller region first but that probably wasn’t feasible politically.
Ferguson (2024) is a meta-analysis of 27 experimental studies that finds causal effects are statistically no different than zero (but with significant heterogeneity).
Haidt & Rausch criticised Ferguson’s methodology on their blog and this sparked much debate. They argue that many of the studies only capture withdrawal symptoms and don’t follow subjects long enough to get past that stage and onto more positive experiences.
Another good study makes use of a natural experiment by looking at changes in student wellbeing at US universities in the early years of Facebook’s gradual roll out.
I’m not aware of any governments blocking experimental studies. Policymakers are desperate for better evidence to inform their regulatory decisions. Despite the ongoing debate among researchers, Australia are going full steam ahead and recently announced a ban on social media for all under-16s.
Do you disagree with this? I guess in my opinion it seems responsible to gather enough data to feel confident in the health effects of something before we let the entire population start doing it.
Personally, I think it’s a bit hasty because we’re not sure if it will do more harm than good. Ideally, they would have piloted this in a smaller region first but that probably wasn’t feasible politically.