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The Battle Against Social Media Giants: Lawsuit Accuses Meta Platforms Inc. of Harming Youth Mental Health

Meta Platforms Inc. lawsuit alleges harm to youth mental health and data privacy violations. #SocialMediaImpact

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In a significant legal development, several US states, including California and New York, have taken a stand against Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook, alleging that the company knowingly designed features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The lawsuit also highlights Meta’s alleged violation of federal law by collecting data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent. The legal action underscores growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and its contribution to the youth mental health crisis.



The Lawsuit’s Allegations:
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, accuses Meta of harnessing powerful technologies to lure and engage youth and teens, ultimately causing harm to their mental well-being. It claims that Meta’s primary motive is profit, and in pursuit of financial gains, the company has repeatedly downplayed the substantial dangers associated with its social media platforms. The complaint further asserts that Meta has concealed the exploitative and manipulative practices it employs, particularly targeting vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children.

Addiction and Mental Health:
One of the central contentions of the lawsuit is that Meta intentionally designed features on Instagram and Facebook to create addictive experiences for young users. By capitalizing on psychological vulnerabilities and employing manipulative tactics, the platforms reportedly foster a compulsive need for constant engagement. This addictive behavior can have severe consequences on young people’s mental health, exacerbating feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Exploitation of Vulnerable Consumers:
The lawsuit alleges that Meta has systematically misled the public regarding the potential risks and harms associated with its platforms. By doing so, the company has allegedly exploited teenagers and children who are more susceptible to the influence of social media. The complaint claims that Meta’s practices violate consumer protection laws and breach the trust of both users and their parents.

Data Privacy Concerns:
Another significant aspect of the lawsuit centers around Meta’s alleged violation of federal law by collecting data on children under 13 without obtaining parental consent. This practice, if proven true, raises serious concerns about children’s privacy rights and compliance with existing regulations designed to safeguard their personal information. The plaintiffs argue that Meta’s data collection practices contribute to a pervasive culture of surveillance and further exacerbate the risks faced by young users.

The Implications and Future Outlook:
The lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. represents a critical moment in the ongoing conversation about the impact of social media on youth mental health. By holding a major tech company accountable for its alleged harmful practices, the legal action signals a growing recognition of the need to address the negative consequences of excessive social media use. If successful, the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the regulation and oversight of social media platforms, potentially leading to increased protective measures and greater transparency regarding their impact on mental health.

With the lawsuit accusing Meta Platforms Inc. of knowingly designing addictive features and exploiting vulnerable consumers, the battle for youth mental health takes center stage. As society grapples with the impact of social media on young people’s well-being, this legal action serves as a reminder that companies must be held accountable for their practices. The outcome of this lawsuit has the potential to shape the future of social media regulation, paving the way for a safer and more responsible digital environment for children and teenagers alike.

Source: Associated Press

https://apnews.com/article/instagram-facebook-children-teens-harms-lawsuit-attorney-general-1805492a38f7cee111cbb865cc786c28

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Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

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NASA Leadership to Participate in Global Climate Change Conference  

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NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers remarks before the ribbon cutting ceremony to open NASA’s Earth Information Center, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The Earth Information Center is new immersive experience that combines live data sets with cutting-edge data visualization and storytelling to allow visitors to see how our planet is changing.
NASA/Joel Kowsky

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other agency leaders will participate in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) beginning Thursday, Nov. 30, through Tuesday, Dec. 12, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

This global conference brings together countries committed to addressing climate change, which is a key priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and NASA. For the first time, a NASA administrator will attend, joining an expected 70,000 participants, world leaders, and representatives from nearly 200 countries.

Throughout the conference, parties will review the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and, also for the first time, provide a comprehensive assessment of progress since adopting the Paris Agreement. 

In addition to Nelson, NASA participants in the conference include:

  • Kate Calvin, NASA’s chief scientist and senior climate advisor
  • Susie Perez Quinn, NASA’s chief of staff
  • Karen St. Germain, director, NASA Earth Science Division
  • Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, program scientist, ocean physics, NASA Earth Science Division
  • Laura Rogers, associate program manager, ecological conservation, NASA Langley Research Center
  • Wenying Su, senior research scientist, climate science, NASA Langley Research Center
  • Ben Hamlington, research scientist, sea level and ice, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

During the conference, Nelson will participate in the first Space Agency Leaders’ Summit, which aims to demonstrate a collective commitment toward strengthening global climate initiatives and promoting sustainable space operations.   

Throughout the conference, NASA leaders also will participate in additional events and presentations at the NASA Hyperwall, a main attraction at the U.S. Center showing how  the agency’s climate science and research helps model and predict ocean health, heat waves, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and droughts, among its other Earth-related research. NASA will provide a hyperwall presentation every day, some with interagency partners, between Sunday, Dec. 3, and Monday, Dec. 11.

Climate adaptation and mitigation efforts require robust climate observations and research. NASA’s unique vantage point from space provides critical information to advance understanding of our changing planet. With more than two dozen satellites and instruments in orbit, NASA’s climate data – which is openly and freely available to anyone – provides insight on how the planet is changing and measure key climate indicators, such as greenhouse gas emissions, rising sea level and clouds, and precipitation.

A full schedule of U.S. Center events at COP28 is available at:

https://www.state.gov/u-s-center-at-cop28-schedule/

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National Day of Giving: Spreading Generosity on #GivingTuesday

National Day of Giving: Uniting for #GivingTuesday, spreading generosity and making a community impact. Join the movement!

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In a world that often seems divided, there is a day that unites people from all walks of life, igniting the spirit of generosity and compassion. National Day of Giving, also known as , is a global movement that celebrates the act of giving back to others. Originating in the United States, this philanthropic phenomenon has now spread across the globe, inspiring millions to make a positive impact on their communities. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins of National Day of Giving, explore its purpose, and discuss some of the best ways to observe this remarkable day.


Giving Tuesday

Origins of National Day of Giving:
National Day of Giving was first observed in 2012 as a response to the consumerism and commercialism that often overshadowed the true meaning of the holiday season. The 92nd Street Y, a community and cultural center in New York City, along with the United Nations Foundation, launched this initiative to encourage people to give back and support charitable causes. Since then, it has grown exponentially, gaining support from organizations, businesses, and individuals worldwide.

What is National Day of Giving About?
National Day of Giving serves as a reminder to be grateful for what we have and to extend a helping hand to those in need. It is a day when people come together to donate their time, money, skills, or resources to causes and organizations that align with their values. This movement emphasizes the importance of collective action, highlighting that even small acts of kindness can create a significant impact.

Ways to Observe National Day of Giving:

  1. Make a Donation: Consider donating to a cause or charity that resonates with you. Whether it’s supporting education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or social justice, your contribution can make a difference. Research reputable organizations and ensure that your donation reaches those in need.
  2. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to a local nonprofit or community service organization. Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter, tutoring students, or participating in environmental cleanup initiatives, volunteering allows you to directly engage with your community and make a tangible impact.
  3. Spread Awareness: Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading the message of generosity. Use the hashtag to share stories, causes, and initiatives that inspire you. Encourage your friends and followers to join the movement and make a difference in their own ways.
  4. Support Local Businesses: National Day of Giving isn’t just about monetary donations; it’s also an opportunity to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. Consider buying from local shops, artisans, or restaurants, as this helps stimulate the local economy and promotes community growth.
  5. Start a Fundraiser: Organize a fundraising event or campaign to raise funds for a cause close to your heart. Engage your friends, family, and colleagues to contribute and amplify the impact. From bake sales to charity runs, there are countless creative ways to rally support and make a positive change.


National Day of Giving, or , is a remarkable movement that reminds us of the power of generosity and collective action. With its origins rooted in the desire to counterbalance consumerism, this day encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to come together and support causes that uplift humanity. By making donations, volunteering, spreading awareness, supporting local businesses, and initiating fundraisers, each of us can contribute to creating a more compassionate and equitable world. Let us embrace the spirit of National Day of Giving and make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-day-of-giving-givingtuesday-usually-follows-cyber-monday

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Make a Difference for Children this Holiday Season

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(Family Features) This holiday season, you can spread the spirit of meaningful giving and deliver impact for children globally. With crises and emergencies all over the world, make a difference with gifts that give back while showing your loved ones just how much you care.

Handcrafted by talented artisans from all around the world, UNICEF Market is a unique collection of carefully curated gifts ranging from jewelry to apparel, home decor, kitchenware and more. The gifts give back three times over by supporting artisans and helping local economies thrive, assisting vulnerable children in need and making for thoughtful and compassionate gifts for loved ones. By purchasing gifts from the market, individuals can contribute to creating a more equitable world for every child.

Additionally, UNICEFInspired Gifts provide meaningful opportunities to make a difference by donating important resources in the name of a loved one alongside a personalized print-at-home card or e-greeting. With millions of children on the move, driven from their homes by conflict, poverty and climate change, you can make a donation to provide essential supplies such as blankets, first aid kits, vaccines, lifesaving Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and more. You can also send warmth to children in need in places where freezing winter temperatures and heavy snowfall are approaching. Your purchase of a “Warm Winter Kit” could provide four fleece blankets and 24 cans of therapeutic milk to provide warmth, safety and lifesaving nutrition.

To help support the organization’s lifesaving mission of protecting every child, consider UNICEF USA’s partners, including Cle de Peau Beaute, Hallmark and Marriott Bonvoy when shopping and traveling this holiday season. For every purchase of Cle de Peau Beaute’s Serum, $3 will be donated to support impactful programs for the education and empowerment of girls around the world; Hallmark’s UNICEF greeting cards and keepsake ornament, which are holiday favorites, can be purchased in store and online to support the world’s most vulnerable children; and Marriott Bonvoy members can donate their points to the organization.

Elevate your gift-giving this year for friends, family and loved ones by making a real impact for children globally. Visit market.unicefusa.org, where you can support efforts to ensure every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.


SOURCE:
UNICEF

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