Regarding the forthcoming ban on under-16s accessing social media, one reader from Essex comments: 'I don’t think social media does a lot of adults much good, either, mind you.' They recall the obscure pop act Halo James from 1990 and note that the list of unpleasant things today compared to 1996 would be too long for MetroTalk.
Trainspotting vs Social Media
Martin J Phillips from Leeds draws a comparison between trainspotting and social media. He says: 'When I see young people glued to their smartphones I often think, “Why don’t they do something more interesting… like trainspotting!?”' Trainspotters were once regarded as having sad lives, but it was an excuse to travel and make real friends. Social media, he argues, keeps people stuck in one place with cyber 'friends' who may be scammers, perverts, or AI. He suggests that if young people on social media were derided by peers like trainspotters were, government intervention might be less needed.
Misused Words
A reader from South Gloucestershire points out that the crossword incorrectly used 'epicentre' for the point of origin of an earthquake. The correct term is the hypocenter; the epicentre is the point on the surface above. They also note that 'massive' means 'heavy,' not 'big,' asking: 'How heavy is a hole?'
Homelessness in London
Ryan Cooper from London criticises TfL signs saying 'You are loved and wanted in London,' noting that this doesn't apply to homeless people. He describes seeing a rough sleeper being ordered to move by British Transport Police, making the sign's message feel hollow.
Defence Spending Debate
John Daniels from Redhill argues that Russia invading an independent sovereign state is reason enough to increase military spending, as demanded by defence secretary John Healey before his resignation.
Neville Jones from Widnes, however, believes Healey's reasons for resigning are fundamentally wrong. He says: 'We are members of Nato. Any Nato member can rely on others if attacked. Russia is outgunned by Nato, so it's unlikely to attack us.' He argues that meeting the 2% GDP spending requirement is sufficient and that spending more is unnecessary given domestic issues like the NHS. He also questions nuclear weapons, saying they could blow the world to pieces, and suggests saving billions by not upgrading the nuclear arsenal.
