In this episode, former Meta engineer and whistleblower Arturo Béjar shares what he saw while working at Meta and the hidden dangers social media poses for teens. Arturo witnessed firsthand how algorithms amplify harmful content, contributing to eating disorders, self-harm, anxiety and even exploitation.
He shares chilling real-world examples of viral challenges and predatory behaviour that put young people at risk, and explains why teen accounts and parental controls often fail to protect them.
Arturo also outlines what responsible tech could look like and gives practical advice for parents on keeping their kids safe in a digital world that often seems designed to exploit them.
This is an important, eye-opening conversation about the very real risks of social media, and the changes we can all make to support one young mind at a time.
New Zealand Helplines:
- Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
- Youth services: (06) 3555 906
- What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
- Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
- Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053.
- Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
- The Lowdown: Free text 5626 or visit thelowdown.co.nz
- EDANZ (Eating Disorders Association NZ): Visit ed.org.nz for resources and support
- If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111
For more information about Arturo Béjar click here
Follow us @b416.nz or find out more at b416.co.nz
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage
Rewarded for bravery that goes above and beyond the call of duty, the Medal of Honor is the United States’ top military decoration. The stories we tell are about the heroes who have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism and courage that have saved lives. From Judith Resnik, the second woman in space, to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice, these are stories about those who have done the improbable and unexpected, who have sacrificed something in the name of something much bigger than themselves. Every Wednesday on Medal of Honor, uncover what their experiences tell us about the nature of sacrifice, why people put their lives in danger for others, and what happens after you’ve become a hero. Special thanks to series creator Dan McGinn, to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Adam Plumpton. Medal of Honor begins on May 28. Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear ad-free episodes one week early. Find Pushkin+ on the Medal of Honor show page in Apple or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com