Children as young as 7 are becoming avid users of social media, particularly the platform X (formerly known as ) which is known for allowing misinformation and other possibly harmful content. A conducted by Qustodio found that 30 percent of 7-year-olds to 9-year-olds are already using X, which has had trouble with hate speech, pornography and disinformation. Alex Laurie, SVP at IAM company Ping Identity, told that Gen Alpha's use of X is both significant and complex.
"Unlike in previous generations where exposure to inappropriate content might have been accidental, today's sophisticated content algorithms actively push adult material into the feeds of young users," he said. Based on experience with his son and his peers, Laurie said the content on X is confronting and often hidden within what seems like harmless content. This, he said, can range from sexually explicit content to hate speech and propaganda.
The Apps Through the Ages report also revealed that adult content now comprises 13 percent of all posts on X, possibly exposing young users to material they may not yet be ready to digest. "These creators employ tactics akin to those used in psychological warfare to attract and retain the attention of young users, making it incredibly easy for them to be drawn into toxic environments," Laurie added. The study categorizes children aged 7 to 9 as ' ' highlighting that 75 percent of American kids under 8 have access to a tablet at home, with nearly half (44 percent) owning one.