YouTube Tweaks Algorithm to Keep Kids Safe. Will It Work?
By Movieguide® Contributor
YouTube is attempting to help prevent kids and teens from developing poor views of their bodies by limiting how many fitness and weight-related videos its algorithm recommends.
“[Some types of content] may be innocuous as a single video, but could be problematic for some teens if viewed repeatedly,” YouTube’s Youth and Families Advisory Committee said when explaining the change. “[They] include content that compares physical features and idealizes some types over others, idealizes specific fitness levels or body weights, or displays social aggression in forms of non-contact fights and intimidation.”
YouTube believes that the limit on repeated recommendations for this type of content will help prevent kids and teens from developing unhealthy views about themselves because they are repeatedly exposed to unattainable ideals.
While already implemented in the U.S., these changes are now coming to Europe and the UK, Vice reported.
The platform has been criticized in the past for the way its algorithm can lead viewers down an unhealthy rabbit hole and end up recommending intense or inappropriate content. Last year, for example, a study found that YouTube was pushing gun content onto kids.
“The study found that YouTube pushed content on shooting and weapons to all of the gamer accounts, but at a much higher volume to the users who clicked on the YouTube-recommended videos,” The Tech Transparency Project reported in May 2023. “These videos included scenes depicting school shootings and other mass shooting events; graphic demonstrations of how much damage guns can inflict on a human body; and how-to guides for converting a handgun to a fully automatic weapon.”
Though YouTube claimed this study was inaccurate and did not provide useful information to the site, it is encouraging to see the platform make changes to help limit the spread of at least some dangerous content.
In the upcoming update, YouTube is also introducing a dedicated “Family Center” that will help parents better track their kids’ activity on the site.
“In Family Center, parents can see shared insights into their teens’ channel activity on YouTube including the number of uploads, subscriptions and comments,” YouTube said, per The Independent.
“Parents (and teens) will also receive proactive email notifications at key events, like when teens upload a video or start a livestream, providing an opportunity to offer advice on responsible creation,” YouTube added.
Movieguide® previously reported on safety on YouTube:
Youtube’s updated creator guidelines, released late 2022, deters creators from producing sexual, drug and dishonest behavior related content alongside a controversial profanity change.
“Our policies are constantly evolving,” a google rep explained, “We are always working to facilitate a healthy digital advertising ecosystem.” While these changes were made for the benefit of advertisers, they contribute to the safety of children on the website as well.
The updated guidelines classified topics related to drug trade organizations as “harmful or dangerous acts” and incorporated drug usage as a reason for demonetization.
“We do not allow monetization of content that includes graphic sexual text, image, audio, or games, and non-consensual sexual themes whether simulated or real,” a google rep explained. These additions expanded Youtube’s strict restrictions on sexual content including nudity, sexual entertainment and sexual merchandise.
