[Voting Starts] Does SNS Lower Happiness? Opinions Sought on Surfvote Regarding Youth Wellbeing and Regulations for Minors

The spread of SNS has significantly changed the way we communicate. On the other hand, there continues to be various discussions both domestically and internationally regarding its impact on the happiness and mental health of young people.

Polimill Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo / Representative Directors: Ayame Ito, Nonoka Taniguchi), which promotes the social implementation of generative AI, has launched an issue on its digital democracy platform 'Surfvote' titled "Does SNS lower happiness? Youth wellbeing and regulations for minors considering the World Happiness Report", and has begun soliciting opinions.

What is Surfvote?

Surfvote publishes various social issues and problems almost daily. These issues are raised by people from diverse backgrounds, such as university professors, experts, and local governments nationwide. Anyone who visits Surfvote can easily encounter, learn about, and think about social issues. By registering an account, it is also possible to vote by selecting options close to one's own opinion, or to post comments and exchange opinions with other users. We are working daily to improve and develop our services, aiming to create a place where people with various opinions and positions can find common values, rather than inciting social division and conflict.

https://surfvote.com/

A part of this article

• How is the relationship between SNS and happiness perceived?

The recent international survey, the "World Happiness Report," points out changes in the happiness of young people and the impact of the digital environment. While the use of SNS expands connections with people, it can also create comparison and feelings of isolation, and there are diverse views on its impact.

• Youth wellbeing and the reality of SNS usage

SNS has deeply permeated daily life as a place for information gathering and self-expression. However, prolonged use, excessive dependence, and cyberbullying are also discussed as potentially affecting physical and mental health. The appropriate environment for minors' use is particularly being questioned.

• The pros and cons of regulations for minors and society's choice

Regarding SNS use, while some opinions suggest considering regulations such as age restrictions and control over usage time, there are also concerns that excessive regulation might impair freedom and learning opportunities. The question of how much intervention is appropriate and society's balance is being debated.

Why not vote on Surfvote?

SNS has become an indispensable part of our lives, but its impact is divided. For young people in particular, SNS is seen as a means to expand "connections" but also as a source of mental burden.

"I think many people are able to avoid feeling lonely precisely because of SNS."

"Aren't there times when self-esteem is lowered due to comparison and the desire for approval?"

"I think some usage restrictions are necessary for minors."

"Isn't education on how to use it more important than regulation?"

"I think the problem with SNS is not the tool itself, but how it's used and the social environment."

What do you think?

Please share your opinion by voting and commenting.

▼Vote here

https://surfvote.com/issues/a247i0sxvo9z

Author Profile

Nagayuki Saito

He has been involved in international policy as a policy analyst at the Science, Technology and Industry Directorate of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and has researched digital society and internet use among adolescents at universities and research institutions.

Currently, as a professor at Sendai University, he conducts education, research, and policy proposals on the theme of children and the safety and literacy of digital society. He also participates in expert meetings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and international projects of the OECD, working to solve social issues based on evidence.

On Surfvote, he hopes to constructively discuss issues of the digital age and the creation of better systems with everyone.

About Polimill Inc.

Polimill Inc. is a 4-year-old ICT startup with the mission of "creating the future we want to leave behind together." We develop and operate the administrative support generative AI "QommonsAI," specialized in various expert fields, and "Surfvote," an SNS where everyone can easily and safely participate in community development.

QommonsAI has been adopted by over 700 local governments and ministries, and Surfvote publishes not only national social issues but also regional issues faced by each local government (Surfvote Local). Our activities aim to explain social issues from multiple perspectives in an easy-to-understand manner, and to provide readers with an "opportunity to participate."

We aim to realize a digitally-driven society equipped with reason and sensibility, where all people can participate in rule-making, powered by AI and SNS.

Official website: https://www.polimill.jp/

Contact: https://www.polimill.jp/contact-us/