[luca_null]

I grew up similarly and I think I have to disagree. When we had all the influence from the Tv, we would still se people that were really far away from us.

Right now a teenager that is spending their summer vacation at home can be bombarded with photos of classmates "having the best time of their lives" through social media.

You're right that parents should be more present but even if you explain to a teenager that what they're seeing on instagram/tiktok is not the full reality, it still has an effect on them. I know because even I feel it sometimes.

[betwixthewires]

Well the point is, the world isn't perfect and there will always be negative influences, and it is a parent's duty to limit those influences as much as possible. Before it was this, now it's that. It was bad kids in the neighborhood, then it was TV, then it was videogames, now it is social media, who knows what it will be in 20 years.

I wouldn't explain to a teenager about Instagram and tiktok, I'd DNS block them on all devices. They'll see it at their friends house or whatever, and then I can talk to them, and they'll get grouchy about wanting it just like they do about toys at the store. But at least I'll limit exposure to negative influences, which is my job.