Pete Price has called for stronger digital literacy and proper policing of social media to combat deepfakes, misinformation, and anonymous trolls, warning that unrestricted access for children is akin to leaving them with a predator.
The Scourge of Misinformation
Writing in his latest column, Price describes how social media has become a breeding ground for misinformation, made worse by AI-generated content. He notes that deepfakes, fake news, and cunningly edited videos look frighteningly convincing and are destroying lives in pursuit of clickbait.
Once a lie spreads, it is almost impossible to untangle, leaving people confused about what is real and fueling division and distrust. Price urges the public to be more skeptical before hitting the share button.
Keyboard Warriors and Anonymity
Price criticizes keyboard warriors as pathetic saddos with no real life, who act as self-appointed judges without considering consequences. Anonymity allows them to air vicious opinions without accountability, and Price wishes someone would turn the tables on them.
The Danger to Young People
Price also highlights grooming in the dark corners of networks, calling these platforms immensely dangerous for young people. He quotes an unnamed source saying, "I wouldn’t let my child into a room with a predator," and argues that giving a child a smartphone with unrestricted social media access is effectively doing just that.
