Clara Chappaz, the Secretary of State for Digital and Artificial Intelligence, recently made waves with her thoughts on social media during her appearances on RTL. On February 6, 2025, she featured on the morning show, where she discussed the pressing issues surrounding the use of social media, especially among young people. Her insights come at a time when these platforms have become integral to communication but also raise significant concerns about their impact on health and social interactions.
During the show "L'œil de Philippe Caverivière," which airs daily at 7:55 AM, Chappaz addressed the dual nature of social media as both beneficial for connectivity and potentially detrimental to users' mental well-being. Comedian Vincent Lindon, who labeled social media as the "cancer of civilization," expressed apprehension over its pervasive influence, particularly on youth who reportedly spend around three hours daily on these platforms.
Chappaz acknowledged the advantages of social media for fostering communication. She stated, “Il faut que nous puissions encadrer l'utilisation de ces réseaux. Il faut que ces réseaux puissent suivre un certain nombre de règles qui sont les nôtres,” emphasizing the need for guidelines governing social media use. This call for regulation seems heightened by recent actions taken by Australia, which imposed one of the world's strictest bans on social media for individuals under 16 years old.
When asked whether such measures could be replicated in France, Chappaz did not dismiss the idea. She expressed, “Je pense qu'il faut regarder la question sans tabou,” indicating the importance of exploring all options openly. Her perspective encourages reflection on the framework needed to safeguard youth and promote responsible usage. “Il faut que nous puissions les accompagner et les éduquer à la question de l'usage des réseaux sociaux,” she added, stressing the significance of educating young users about the impacts of these platforms.
Chappaz's comments also raise the question of how to effectively communicate to parents about the responsible use of social media. She acknowledged the necessity of creating trust and awareness, stating, “je pense qu'il faut réfléchir à cette question et puis on aboutira très prochainement.” This suggests her commitment to developing strategies to involve parents actively as partners in guiding their children’s engagement with digital content.
With social media's role continuously growing, Chappaz's insights reaffirm the significance of proactive measures to protect young users. The dialogue around this issue highlights not just the risks linked to excessive usage but also the potential for establishing norms and education programs to mitigate negative effects. By balancing regulation and education, French officials, under Chappaz's guidance, may find pathways to preserve the benefits of digital interaction without compromising the well-being of young users.
The discussions sparked by Chappaz and those at RTL reflect the broader societal acknowledgment of the changing digital landscapes and their repercussions. The willingness to confront these challenges head-on marks a pivotal moment for policy discussions surrounding social media, signaling potential changes on the horizon for how these tools are used and managed among younger demographics.