In less than a week, Australia becomes the first democracy in the world to ban under-16s from social media. On December 10th, 2025, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X, Snapchat, Reddit, and Twitch will be legally required to boot millions of Australian teenagers off their platforms or face fines up to $50 million per violation.
We are about to run a massive social experiment on an entire generation. And I do not think protecting children is the real goal here.
Almost two years ago I deactivated my LinkedIn. Not paused. Not lurking. Gone. I have not missed it for a single day.
I have never received a real opportunity through LinkedIn. The good work in my career has come through people who know me: former clients, colleagues, friends of friends. Conversations, coffee, shipping things together. In Australia especially, our circles are smaller than you think. Reputation travels faster than an algorithmic feed ever will.
Have you ever stopped to think about the impact social media has on your peace of mind? It was a realisation that came too late towards the end of 2022. The constant arguing, negativity, and drama on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn took a toll on my mental health and well-being. I realised I needed to step back and break free from the negative echo chamber.
You might not realise it, but even seemingly harmless platforms like LinkedIn can have a negative impact on your life. What started as a professional networking platform has fallen prey to the negativity that plagues other social media platforms like Facebook. The constant barrage of conflicts and drama was too much for me to handle.