Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate - Blog

In today's digital age, social media platforms offer incredible opportunities for connection and communication. However, they also pose significant risks, especially for teenagers. A recent NBC report highlights a troubling trend: financial sextortion targeting teen boys, primarily via Instagram. This alarming issue requires immediate attention and proactive measures from both parents, educators and teens to safeguard against these cyber crimes. Financial Sextortion Most Often Targets Teen Boys Via Instagram, According to New Data Understanding Financial Sextortion Financial sextortion is a form of exploitation where perpetrators threaten to share someone’s explicit images unless they are paid a ransom. This crime often begins with "catfishing," where offenders pose as peers to gain the trust of their victims, convincing them to share intimate images. Once the images are in their possession, the perpetrators use them as leverage to extort money from the victims. According...

I n a bold move to protect the well-being of our youth, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for tobacco-style warning labels on social media. This plea for action has sparked a wave of support from advocates who see the urgent need for regulation. Yet, without the power to enforce these warnings unilaterally, Murthy is reliant on Congress to turn this vision into reality. As an internet wellness advocate, I feel a deep sense of resonance with Murthy’s call to action. It’s clear that we need to address the pervasive influence of social media on our children and society at large. While some may argue that such measures infringe on free speech, I believe it’s a necessary step towards creating a safer world both online and off. US Surgeon General Wants a Warning Label for Social Media The Need for Comprehensive Regulation The internet was originally conceived as a tool for communication, research and education—a place to share knowledge and foster learning. However, the landscape has...