New research examining jurisdictions that have imposed social media bans or age restrictions on young people finds limited evidence that the measures improve youth mental health outcomes. Some researchers interviewed compare the approach to alcohol or cigarette age restrictions, questioning whether similar enforcement gaps undermine effectiveness. The findings come as 2026 has proven a costly year for social media platforms navigating new regulations.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-10-19
A professional keynote speaker who has worked with Amazon, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, LinkedIn and WebMD has published guidance for event organizers on choosing speakers, listing six questions to ask before signing a contract. The first recommended question asks organizers to define what should be different for attendees after the session, rather than simply picking a topic or a famous name. The speaker also recommends treating the selection process like a hiring decision, including talking to multiple candidates and checking references.
entrepreneur.com
· 2026-10-19
Character.ai, the platform that lets users chat with AI avatars modeled on fictional characters and real public figures, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company had faced scrutiny over the platform's impact on teen mental health.
wsj.com
· 2026-10-13
OpenAI has made changes to ChatGPT aimed at reducing instances where the chatbot reinforces delusional or harmful thinking in users experiencing mental-health crises. The update follows input from mental-health experts on how the system can better recognize different psychological conditions and respond with more appropriate questions.
wsj.com
· 2026-10-10
Companies building AI chatbots now train their systems to decline large categories of harmful requests, from self-harm instructions to bioweapon guidance, using layered filters and reward-based exercises where other AI models evaluate refusals. Former OpenAI safety staffer Steven Adler and Harvard researcher Ryan McBain note that early chatbots readily answered dangerous questions, and current refusal systems still break down, sometimes with violent consequences. Companies themselves report that newer models rival skilled human hackers at breaching networks and can be as effective as professional propagandists at spreading misinformation.
technologyreview.com
· 2026-10-09
A recent study by Common Sense Media found that OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Teens, launched less than two months ago, does not reliably alert parents about mental health crises or prevent teens from bypassing educational features. The research also revealed issues with age verification, allowing teens to register as adults without account adjustments. These shortcomings raise concerns about the platform’s safety and effectiveness for young users.
cnet.com
· 2026-10-07
Data shows an increase in depression and anxiety among Canadian men aged 15 to 24 over a decade, with self-reported mood disorders climbing from 11% to 16% and anxiety from 4% to 10%. Personal stories highlight the stigma and silence surrounding mental health struggles in young men, influenced by societal expectations of masculinity.
cbc.ca
· 2026-10-05
A series of papers published in The Lancet reviewed existing research on how digital media affects young people's physical and mental health, covering issues ranging from nearsightedness to self-harm. The authors argue that uncertainty in the scientific evidence should not be used as a reason to delay policy measures addressing these risks.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-10-04
A new social media trend called 'bloomscrolling' is gaining attention as users seek more positive content to consume instead of endless negative news feeds. Therapists are weighing in on whether curating uplifting content during scrolling sessions can genuinely offset the mental health harms linked to doomscrolling.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-10-01
A new research paper examines how supportive-seeming conversations with AI chatbots can reinforce unhealthy thought patterns and foster emotional reliance on the technology. The researchers note that while chatbots are useful for quick answers or brief advice, this utility may not offset the psychological costs of sustained reliance for companionship.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-30
Meta has expanded its Instagram School Partnership Program, adding tools that let verified students and staff post Stories and notes visible only to their own school. The update also introduces admin-only channels for parent and student updates, school-wide clubs and teams, and a student directory limited to peers and mutual teen followers.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-29
Rare Beauty founder Selena Gomez and chief impact officer Elyse Cohen appeared in a Fast Company-moderated conversation about the brand's growth strategy. The discussion centered on how the company built its business around authenticity, community, and the Rare Impact Fund, which supports youth mental health access.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-24
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