Boomers, Not Gen Z, Require Protection from Social Media

The assertion challenges the assumption that Gen Z requires safeguarding from social media's effects, arguing that it's the older generation, boomers, who need protection from potential negative consequences associated with online platforms.

"Hey mom, my phone broke and I have a new one, please save this number x." Recall that notorious scam text circulating in 2022 and 2023? Delivered to numerous WhatsApp users, it employed a straightforward yet cunning tactic: inundate individuals, posing as their offspring, with appeals for financial aid, particularly for rent, to be wired directly to a fraudulent "landlord's" account. Relying on emotional manipulation—feigning emergencies to trigger parental instincts—the scheme amassed an estimated £1.5m in the UK and A$7.2m in Australia, victimizing over 11,000 people.

While this ordeal was undoubtedly distressing for those affected, it sheds light on a surprising vulnerability: contrary to common assumptions, baby boomers might require more protection from the hazards of social media than Generation Z.

Despite criticisms of younger generations being overly reliant on technology, engrossed in platforms like TikTok and ensnared by divisive content on YouTube, they possess a nuanced understanding of digital landscapes. Having grown up immersed in online culture, they often grasp its risks better than their older counterparts.

Consider the perils of posting offensive remarks on social media. Countless tales circulate of individuals, both public figures and ordinary citizens, facing the wrath of "cancel culture" for impulsive or insensitive comments gone viral. Furthermore, real-life actions captured on video, shared online, and magnified through platforms contribute to repercussions, exemplified by phenomena like the "Karen" stereotype.

"Eve Ng, an associate professor of media arts and studies at Ohio University and author of Cancel Culture: A Critical Analysis, suggests that Baby Boomers and Gen Xers gravitated towards early social media platforms, particularly Facebook. She notes that Facebook's closed nature, where content defaults to being visible only to friends and friends of friends, encourages more open expression on potentially contentious topics."

"From losing jobs to facing show cancellations or franchise revocations, several media personalities from the Baby Boomer and older Generation X cohorts have faced severe consequences for their online remarks. For instance, radio presenter Danny Baker, 66, was dismissed by the BBC for making a controversial comparison involving Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's child. Similarly, ABC halted the airing of the Roseanne sitcom after star Roseanne Barr, 71, made derogatory comments on Twitter. Comedian Kathy Griffin, 63, faced repercussions for a graphic image involving Donald Trump, while actor James Gunn, 57, was swiftly removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series due to offensive tweets. Even President Trump faced criticism for his frequent, potentially inflammatory tweets during his tenure."

And then there are individuals like JK Rowling and Graham Linehan, both of whom have shifted from respected careers and acclaimed works to being associated with intense social media battles against transgender individuals. Rowling's controversial views on gender had stirred debate for years, but her recent Twitter tirade appeared particularly aggressive. Her initially nuanced arguments have been replaced by more forceful online positions, culminating in a recent thread naming trans women as men. Similarly, Linehan, known for creating beloved comedy series like Father Ted and The IT Crowd, has become a staunch anti-transgender "activist" on social media, a sole focus leading to frequent suspensions of his active Twitter account. His autobiography, Tough Crowd, acknowledges this shift with the tagline: "How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedy." Both seem to have succumbed to the echo chamber effect of social media, where extremist rhetoric is rewarded with increased engagement over time.

It's perhaps understandable that a specific demographic—young enough to engage with social media yet lacking a full grasp of its potential consequences—may be more prone to sharing opinions online that could lead to repercussions. "Boomers may not always remember that anyone can screenshot anything—even on a relatively closed platform like Facebook—and repost elsewhere," notes Professor Eve Ng, an associate professor of media arts and studies at Ohio University.

On the other hand, Gen Z is more likely to self-censor due to the rise of cancel culture. Studies show that 40% of Gen Z individuals censor their opinions, compared to 21% of baby boomers. They are also more inclined to hide their viewpoints on topical issues out of fear of negative reactions.

This cautious approach stems from a greater awareness among native internet users that not all opinions are suitable for social media platforms. Even seemingly innocuous posts can have long-term repercussions, as evidenced by the case of former Teen Vogue editor Alexi McCammond, forced to resign due to past offensive tweets. This early experience of oversharing prompted a digital "clean-up" among Gen Z individuals as they matured, realizing the potential impact on their future careers. Data supports this privacy-conscious trend among Gen Z, with a higher percentage activating privacy settings on Facebook compared to older generations.

However, baby boomers face their own challenges on social media. They are more likely to share fake news articles and fall victim to scams like romance fraud. Studies reveal that Facebook users over 65 share significantly more articles from fake news domains than younger users. Additionally, they are prime targets for romance scams, with those aged 51-65 experiencing the majority of financial losses. Despite the age disparity, no one is immune to these scams, emphasizing the importance of vigilance regardless of age.

Source: Independent