- Harvard study finds YouTube and Instagram earned over $11 billion from kids and teens in 2022.
- Researchers say appropriate regulation is overdue given risks of youth data exploitation.
- Updates seek to limit targeting and data collection but platforms resist over financial incentives.
A Harvard study found that YouTube raked in nearly $1 billion in 2022 ad revenues from users under 13, while Instagram earned over $4 billion from teenagers, illustrating social media’s incentives around young audiences.
Is more regulation needed?
Estimating figures based on census and industry data, researchers say appropriate regulation is overdue, given self-governance failures. Child advocates argue personalized algorithms and blurred lines between advertising and content jeopardize developing minds.
Study authors contend reforms like the proposed Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act could alleviate mental health harms and dubious ad practices.
Incentivized to delay progress
“Platforms have overwhelming financial incentives to continue delaying meaningful steps to protect children,” said senior author Bryn Austin.
YouTube’s popularity with children has soared recently as viewing habits shift toward bite-sized content. Young influencers like 12-year-old Ryan Kaji bring fortunes, testing toys or learning skills on camera.
Resisting updates to the rules
Such ties make transparency essential, given the platform earned over a quarter of its 2022 revenue from users under 18. Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram also reap large youth shares.
Updated rules seek to limit data collection and turn off targeted advertisements to insulate developing minds better. With billions at stake, companies unsurprisingly resist.
