CAVEAT – The good evidence based medical research to support our position in this blog article can be found in chapter 9 “Dopamine – Facts vs Fear” in our free web book for parents (1)
As parents, we naturally want to protect our children from harm. This protective instinct makes us particularly vulnerable to alarming statements – especially when those statements come from subject matter experts. But what happens when these statements are not rooted in the good evidence and research? When a false equivalence is made, moral panic is often the result (2)(3), leading to misguided fears that can distort how we understand and respond to issues surrounding youth and their use of technology.
Recently, a Canadian newspaper featured a well-respected internet safety presenter whose work we admire, but we were surprised by their description of youth social media use. In bold, attention-grabbing text in the article, the presenter likened social media to crack cocaine, stating, “It’s like crack cocaine hitting their brain.” The analogy continued as the presenter explained, “like any addictive drug, each hit demands stronger action to achieve the same feeling. The dopamine levels are high,” referring to the effects of social media on young users.
On the surface, this might seem like an effective way to capture attention and stress the emotional, psychological, physical, and social concerns of social media. However, there’s a significant problem – this is a false equivalence, and there is no credible, peer-reviewed academic research to support such a comparison. In fact, statements like these do more harm than good by fueling moral panic, rather than promoting an informed, balanced discussion about technology and youth.
The phrase, “like crack cocaine hitting their brain” suggests that social media triggers a biological response akin to the use of hard drugs. While social media can certainly stimulate the brain’s reward system and affect dopamine levels, it is different, and the suggestion that it operates on the same level as crack cocaine is absolutely misleading at best and harmful at worst.
No credible medical or scientific research equates social media use with the destructive and life-altering addiction of a drug like crack cocaine. Yes, social media can be engaging, and it can become problematic for some. However, the long-term health and social consequences of drug addiction far exceed those of problematic scrolling through social media – something Darren witnessed first-hand in his 30 years in law enforcement. By falsely equating social media use to hard drugs, we obscure the real challenges and nuances around some of the concerns surrounding the problematic use of technology by youth today.
The real danger here lies not only in the quote itself, but also in the influence such statements can have. Parents and caregivers often turn to digital literacy and internet safety experts for guidance, trusting that their insights are grounded in research and fact. When a subject matter expert makes such a dramatic claim, many parents assume it must be true.
Unfortunately, this kind of alarmist rhetoric feeds directly into a growing moral panic around technology, making it harder for parents and caregivers to assess the actual risks and benefits. Instead of focusing on balanced, evidence-based strategies for helping children navigate social media, many parents may be swayed into thinking that tech is always inherently dangerous – a path that could lead to unnecessary fear and extreme restrictions.
False comparisons like these distort the conversation around youth technology use in several ways:
- Instead of addressing the actual challenges of balancing technology use, these kinds of statements turn technology and all forms of social media into an immediate and extreme threat.
- Alarmist comparisons make it difficult for parents to navigate their own role in guiding their child’s technology use. Parents may feel overwhelmed by fear, rather than empowered to take thoughtful, measured steps.
- Comparing social media to crack cocaine stigmatizes technology use among youth, making it harder for them to have open, honest conversations about the role tech plays in their lives.
As parents and caregivers, we have a responsibility to seek out information grounded in facts rather than fear and misplaced emotion. While it’s important to recognize the potential risks of social media, it’s equally important not to fall prey to exaggerated claims. Instead, parents should focus on providing their children with balanced guidance, rooted in the good evidence-based research.
To achieve this, seek out research from respected academic institutions, peer-reviewed studies, and experts who present a balanced view on the role of technology in our lives. It’s important to remember that just because something is said loudly or by a trusted figure doesn’t make it true; always question whether the claim is supported by solid research – this includes anything we here at the White Hatter post or say as well!
The onlife landscape is ever evolving, and it’s important to stay updated on the latest findings around technology and its impact on youth. Be open to learning and adapting your approach as new information becomes available.
False comparisons between social media and hard drugs like crack cocaine serve only to heighten fear and panic around youth technology use – parents and caregivers must always be cautious of such statements. Instead, focus on understanding the real impact of social media on your children by seeking out balanced, evidence-based information – something that we do here at the White Hatter. By doing so, you can help your children navigate technology in a way that is both safer and empowering, without being swayed by moral panic.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
Reference:
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/dopamine-facts-vs-fear/
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/ding-juvenoia-moral-panic-its-impact-on-onlife-parenting/
3/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/the-echoes-of-moral-panic-what-is-old-is-new-again/
