This is why 25-year-old influencer Levi Penell is calling for a social media ban for people over 60
There was a noticeable tense moment in the studio when podcaster Levi Penell raised a topic on “Hart aber fair” that prompted conversation right away. His proposal was directed at an entirely different age group—the over-60s—than the typical argument between children and social media.
Just out of diapers and already trying to restrict the internet for individuals who have worked their entire lives and accomplished something in life, claimed one commenter.
An intriguing line of reasoning
A video on youthful TikTok users and their experiences served as the starting point. At first, Penell stressed the value of exposing kids to digital platforms gradually. However, he immediately reversed the viewpoint: “I believe that younger people are more likely than older people to be able to tell the difference between, say, AI-generated content and authentic information. Therefore, if we continue along that line of reasoning, I would conclude that we may need to talk about banning elderly individuals or those over 60 from using social media.
A sentence that caused the audience to pay attention, sit up, and even applaud.
Another commenter said, “We should start with our children first, because the problem is much bigger and more serious there…”
Petra Gerster’s contradiction
Petra Gerster, a 70-year-old veteran presenter, was taken aback and vehemently disagreed. She recommended education as an alternative to exclusion: According to her, social media is a crucial tool for preventing loneliness and keeping in touch, especially for senior citizens.
One person argues, “You can see in the comment sections time and time again that the young man is right!”
Between freedom and protection
The debate at Louis Klamroth accelerated: Should adults also be subject to stricter regulations, or is the main goal of social media protection for children? Penell thought it “outrageous” that the connection to alcohol and prostitution was made, even as Federal Education Minister Karin Prien interceded for strict age regulations.
Parents are accountable.
Lastly, former Family Affairs Minister Kristina Schröder stressed that politicians shouldn’t handle everything. In the end, parents must decide for themselves whether or not to permit their children to use social media.
Is it a serious proposal or provocation? Penell said that he purposefully overstated his desire. But that’s exactly what makes it so alluring: It allows for a more comprehensive conversation about social media use, not just among kids but among all ages.
