No Mercy / No Malice: Age Gating

Historical Context

Scott Galloway explores the historical context of age restrictions, highlighting how society has long differentiated between adults and children in terms of access to certain activities and substances. He notes that while the legal drinking age in the U.S. is often debated, the consensus remains that age gating is necessary for alcohol, firearms, and other potentially harmful activities 1. George Hahn adds a provocative perspective by comparing the dangers of social media to those of alcohol and drugs, suggesting that platforms like Instagram pose significant risks to minors 1.

My 14-year-old son a bottle of Jack Daniels and marijuana than an Instagram and a snap account.

--- George Hahn

The conversation underscores the need for a reevaluation of how society protects children from modern digital threats 2.

   

Current Implementation

In discussing current implementation, Scott Galloway criticizes the lack of effective age verification on social media platforms, attributing it to profit-driven motives. He argues that these platforms possess the technological capability to enforce age restrictions but choose not to, as it would reduce their advertising revenue 3. Galloway suggests that changing the incentives for these companies is crucial, proposing that they should bear the costs of the harm they cause to minors 4.

The rational, shareholder-driven thing to do is fight age verification requirements.

--- Scott Galloway

He emphasizes the role of market forces, legal action, and government regulation in compelling platforms to prioritize child safety over profits 3.