# data[].attributes.body
Social media is a way for people to connect and share things online. You can post pictures, videos, and messages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It helps you stay in touch with friends and find new interests, but you should also be careful about what you share and who can see it.You can follow friends, family, and celebrities to see what they're up to.

# data[].attributes.body
"Vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made his TikTok debut on Friday [Aug 16, 2024], building on the success of his running mate's social media momentum. Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has swiftly embraced TikTok and social media meme culture, building an in-on-the-joke repertoire with a younger generation as the election nears. Walz, who has had some viral moments of his own since joining the ticket — think 'everyone's Midwestern dad' content and dog photos — is now jumping into the platform, too....While the campaign has embraced the social media app, the U.S. government has alleged that TikTok's ties to China represent a national security threat." (Axios) Read more about the Harris/Walz 2024 campaign on the Tiktok app.

# data[].attributes.body
Last month [Mar 2024], Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis banned under-14s from these platforms, while the U.K. has targeted cellphones in classrooms. Closer to home, alongside the ever-raging debate about the Online Harms Act, a TikTok ban seems likelier after the U.S.'s proposed ban. This is no casual or ill-intentioned crusade. The motives behind these efforts are clear. And while there are disagreements on the margins, experts uniformly agree that social media is contributing to a mental crisis among our youth....But we don't need anything more than plain common sense to tell us that a blanket ban on social media for children is bound to fail. Any parent will confirm: this new generation is uniquely technically literate and will surely effortlessly outmanoeuvre the most well-intentioned but toothless government restrictions with a few clicks. And, of course, what gets completely lost in this conversation is the unique good social media can offer; including serving as a source of connection for youth who are marginalized, offering spaces for self-expression and fostering acceptance." (Spectator (Hamilton)) In this point-of-view article, the author discusses how governments should gain a better understanding of social media to effectively craft legislation without banning it.

# data[].attributes.body
"Dozens of popular figures on the app have traveled to Washington to urge lawmakers to oppose a bill that could result in the platform being blocked in the United States. Facing a possible ban in the United States, TikTok has scrambled to deploy perhaps its most powerful weapon: its creators. The hugely popular video service began recruiting dozens of creators at the end of last week [Mar 13, 2024], asking them to travel to Washington to fight a bill being debated in Congress. Under the proposal, TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, would need to sell the app or it would be blocked in the United States." (New York Times) This article reports on the proposed ban on TikTok and how its creators are raising awareness of the app's benefits.

# data[].attributes.body
If people stay indifferent about social media, it can lead to big problems like spreading false information, harming mental health, and reducing community involvement. When folks ignore what's happening online, they risk believing lies and getting pulled into extreme views, which can confuse public discussions. Plus, they might feel more isolated, missing out on connections with others.

A good solution is to promote digital literacy programs. These programs can teach people how to think critically about what they see online, recognize misinformation, and use social media responsibly. By giving everyone the tools to understand and engage with social media, we can help create a more informed and connected society, making online spaces safer and more positive for everyone.