Beyond the harmful effects on concentration, learning, memory, motivation, and cognition in general—as demonstrated in numerous studies (topics I plan to cover in future articles more related to the educational field)—social media can serve as a gateway to digital environments where risks and misconduct abound. Social networks are constantly evolving, attracting millions of users, especially young people. While giants like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat continue to be widely used despite controversies, newer, more specialized, and far more dangerous platforms are emerging. It is crucial for parents to know these platforms, stay vigilant, discuss them with their children, protect them, and monitor their use of digital tools.

Discord: A Chat Platform

Initially created for gamers, Discord has evolved into a full-fledged chat platform where users can create or join servers dedicated to various interests. Teens often chat via text or voice channels, frequently without any supervision.

While this isn't new—it’s a modern take on IRC that those born after 1990 might recall—many parents may not fully grasp the stakes or potential issues with such group messaging systems. They might not associate a platform name with a particular concept or use, which is why I feel compelled to include it on this list.

Why Be Cautious: While Discord allows socialization around enriching topics, it can also be used for more problematic discussions in certain channels, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content sharing, or exposure to hate speech. Adolescents are naturally curious. Private servers, often inaccessible from the outside, can be tricky for parents to monitor.

BeReal: An Anti-Instagram

BeReal stands out by promoting a more authentic approach to social media. The app sends a daily notification inviting users to post a real-time photo without the option to retouch it. The idea is to counter the unrealistic beauty and life standards perpetuated on other platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

Why Be Cautious: Although BeReal promotes more ephemeral use of social networks, young people can still feel pressured by social conformity or the desire to present themselves in a particular way. This has consequences and leads to something far more insidious—the gamification of image relationships. While competition based on follower counts, tied to personal income, was already a significant factor, it wasn’t enough. Now, they've found another way: gamification. It’s everywhere, from learning to career guidance, from Duolingo to Impala. I’ll dive deeper into this subject in future articles.

Mastodon and Decentralized Alternatives

With growing concerns over privacy and moderation on major platforms, decentralized social networks like Mastodon have gained popularity. Unlike Twitter or Facebook, they consist of independent servers, managed by specific communities.

Why Be Cautious: While Mastodon gives users more control over their data, its decentralized nature makes moderation even more challenging. This setup can foster harmful behaviors under the illusion of safety and impunity, exposing young users to inappropriate content or unregulated interactions, making it even harder to report issues.

But There Are Worse…

There are other emerging platforms I won't mention by name, as I don’t want to openly promote them. However, similar to TikTok or YouTube, these platforms compensate content creators through physical merchandise sales, VIP digital content, or more personalized pictures or videos. This is where things can get particularly dangerous.

Easy money has always been enticing—and not just for teenagers, right?

The landscape of social networks is constantly evolving but, more importantly, becoming more complex in terms of usage. Extremes end up being normalized, a process we’ve already witnessed over 15 years in Hollywood screenwriting and dialogue evolution. While some platforms, like BeReal or Discord, offer social benefits and encourage positive interaction, such as sharing creative content in dedicated groups, others represent troubling trends that demand close monitoring. Parents must stay informed about these trends to guide their children through the ever-changing digital landscape. Engaging in open conversations, setting boundaries, and utilizing parental control tools are essential practices for navigating this new social world.