Guinea's junta leader Mamady Doumbouya leads in a controversial presidential election, with main challengers banned and social media restricted, amid accusations of irregularities and concerns over democratic legitimacy.
The internet has partially returned in Tanzania after a shutdown during the disputed election, but social media restrictions persist, limiting access to information and leading to misinformation with old images being shared as recent unrest.
The article argues that smartphones and social media pose significant mental health risks to children and teenagers, comparing digital addiction to smoking and drug use. It advocates for age restrictions, stronger regulations, and the church's leadership in protecting minors from the harmful effects of digital devices, emphasizing the importance of in-person community and traditional bonds over digital consumption.
Florida's GOP-controlled House has passed legislation imposing strict social media restrictions for minors, prohibiting anyone under 16 from creating accounts on many platforms and requiring age verification through third-party services. The bill aims to protect children from the potential harms of social media, but has faced criticism for potentially limiting access to important resources and friendships. The legislation, if enacted, could lead to legal battles with major tech firms and has parallels with similar laws in other states, such as Utah's requirement for parental consent before minors can use social media.