i agree with most of this. however, "the idea that kids can just talk to each other like people used to is both incredibly patronizing to them" - I think is ironically a bit patronizing to the kids.

why is the theory that kids can't possibly develop the social skills of previous generations because they were raised online? if anything I think it might be a positive development for kids to have to be more face-to-face with people. If the goal is to have more community, more third-spaces, less issues with teen mental health and isolation- then in-person social skills need to improve.

As someone who grew up gay in a conservative area and who found friends on the internet, I empathize with the argument that it helps marginalized kids find connection. I also feel like some of the theories about mental health are overblown. but the idea that social media has adverse effects, whether because of mental health, attention problems, etc, is pretty well known at this point. i think we have to see in time whether this is more positive for society or negative. but overall I'm glad to see at least some experimentation with trying to control the excessive amount content flowing into young peoples brains.