Tech stocks rebounded at the end of last week, raising hopes for a Santa Claus rally, while the Justice Department released some Epstein investigation files. Google is hiring many ex-employees for its AI teams, and social media's impact on business leaders is highlighted. Additionally, holiday-themed supplements are gaining popularity, but Xbox remains in a slump amid layoffs and closures.
Recent studies reveal that Gen Z mothers face greater parenting pressures and mental health challenges than millennial moms, driven by social media scrutiny, high expectations for perfect parenting, and managing multiple responsibilities, which are contributing to a decline in their mental well-being.
Chappell Roan announced that her second album does not yet exist and may take at least five years to complete, as she prefers to write music without pressure and has been focusing on her mental health and social media boundaries after her successful debut and Grammy win.
A growing movement among college students is swapping smartphones for flip phones to combat addiction, improve mental health, and foster genuine social interactions, with many experiencing benefits like increased mindfulness, creativity, and better personal connections.
A study by Quantic Foundry reveals that gamers are increasingly losing interest in video games that require deep strategic thinking, with a 67% decline in interest over the past nine years. This trend is attributed to various factors, including potential cognitive overload from social media. Despite this, new strategy games are still being developed and released.
Lawmakers are pushing the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to protect children online, but it faces opposition from teenagers, LGBTQ groups, and free speech advocates who argue that it would endanger minors, violate First Amendment rights, and limit access to important information. Critics point to studies showing positive outcomes of social media for teens and argue that the bill would restrict access to vital resources and censor important topics. Gen Z activists express concerns that the bill would cut them off from the outside world and essential online communities, while tech policy experts emphasize the need for solutions that work without restricting access to information and community.
The chief executives of Meta, TikTok, Snap, Discord, and X (formerly Twitter) are set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the risks their products pose to young people, following a gruesome video posted on YouTube. Lawmakers are pushing for more accountability, citing whistleblowers, lawsuits, and new state legislation. The hearing will focus on youth safety efforts, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expected to face particular scrutiny. Newly released communications suggest that Zuckerberg ignored warnings from senior company officials about underinvestment in user safety, despite growing concerns about the impact of Facebook and Instagram on teen mental health.
