Andrew Selepak comments on a children’s social media ban and GoFundMe campaigns on LinkedIn

Andrew Selepak, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Media Production, Management, and Technology associate instructional professor, was quoted in “Stop the Scroll: California Assembly Passes ‘Addictive Features’ Social Media Ban for Kids” posted on thenationaldesk.com on May 29

Selepak commented on a California bill which reflects a growing effort by states to address concerns about the addictive nature of social media in the absence of national protection from Congress. He said the California effort is different than anywhere else because of the state’s size and influence.

“So long as the platforms continue to have their algorithmic timeline and the potential for the endless scroll, they’re going to be addictive,” Selepak said. “The reason why so many people use it and spend so much time on it is the addictive nature. So, they’re not going to get rid of the thing that makes it so profitable, because it’s limited to this smaller, younger segment that will graduate out of it. Once you turn 17, you’re not going to keep your kid’s account. You’re going to move into the adult account.”

Selepak was also quoted in “Some job seekers are running out of money — so they’re sharing GoFundMe campaigns on LinkedIn” posted on businessinsider.com on June 5.

“Seeing others get traction on LinkedIn may help people to launch their own asks. People may also be taking lessons from social media influencers, many of whom have drawn attention and support by sharing personal experiences online,” he said. “I think many people understand on a very basic level that people will connect to me more the more transparent I am — the more I reveal about myself.”

Selpak said there’s another reason that LinkedIn specifically may be seeing an influx of GoFundMe campaigns: the networking site is largely a platform for white-collar workers who have been disproportionately affected by the hiring slowdown of recent years.

He added that the gradual onboarding of Gen Zers to LinkedIn — who are more accustomed to sharing personal experiences online — could also be contributing to more candid posts on the platform.

Category: Alumni News, College News
Tagged: Andrew Selepak MPMT Social Media
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