Last week, Tánaiste Simon Harris called for a ban on social media use for under 16-year-olds. In France, a bill banning social media use by children under 16 was passed last week. The UK is embarking upon a consultation process regarding a social media ban for under-16s. With all of this (well-placed) concern for children online, what about how adults use some technology? The psychological and behavioural consequences of traditional social media have already played out.

Source: The Irish Times February 02, 2026 10:31 UTC