Julia Gillard recently expressed her support for a campaign to regulate social media, sharing her perspective on the issue through a personal social media post. She noted her longstanding advocacy for stricter oversight in this digital realm.

The initiative has garnered backing from a diverse array of signatories, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, independent parliament members such as Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall, Sophie Scamps, Helen Haines, and Monique Ryan. Also endorsing the cause are Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, renowned author Zoë Foster Blake, and media figure Abbie Chatfield. The movement has also attracted leaders from advocacy organizations, university scholars, and various activists.

Among the academic supporters is Joanne Orlando, a researcher at Western Sydney University specializing in digital wellbeing. Her work delves into the impact of technology on the social and educational development of children, teenagers, and adults alike.

Adding to the conversation, Tama Leaver, a prominent internet studies professor at Curtin University, explained that social media platforms operating without intense algorithmic filtering would present users with a simple chronological stream of updates from accounts they follow.

Australia’s recent legislative moves concerning social media use have sparked a worldwide discussion on the topic. Source: AAP / Yui Mok/PA/Alamy

Australia has ignited global debate about social media use with its new laws. Source: AAP / Yui Mok/PA/Alamy

‘Algorithms are the issue’

“I think it’s really good that we get to explore new interests online. We get to learn things online. We get to connect with other people and other ideas. That’s a really good thing.”

Leaver, who also serves as chief investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, said part of the problem is the fact that platforms can’t identify if you’ve had a positive or negative reaction to a clip you’ve lingered to look at — but you’ll be fed more of that content regardless.

Social media’s role in shaping young men

“Not all disrespect of women ends up in violence against women, but all violence against women begins with disrespecting women,” Turnbull wrote on LinkedIn as he invited followers to sign the open letter.

‘We all need to be protected’

According to Orlando, it’s not just teens who need to be shielded from the harms of addictive algorithms.

“If we had more control over our algorithms, then that would help to control what young people see, and then that would kind of resolve, I think, a lot of the issues that are driving the ban in the first place,” she said.

How realistic is the proposal?

However, from a technical perspective for the companies, he said it “should be something that’s achievable”.