Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.

Daniel Goleman has argued that emotional intelligence is an interpersonal skill - it arises out of direct communication and self reflection by understanding feelings and responses of others.

Decline in emotional regulation

1. Virtual sandbox effect → non exposure to real life stresses → difficulties in emotional regulation.

2. Hyperreality of social media → polarized narratives → children learn anger as a dominant emotional response.

3. Attention economy → no time for self reflection → children and young people are unable to develop the maturity to stoically respond to various tensions and conflict.

4. AI → bandwagon effect since it does not question one's views → more extreme opinions.

Positives

• Awareness about rights violation
• more sensitivity to plight of marginalized
• more emphasis on social justice.

Issues with moral sensitivity

1. Glorification of violence and gun culture.
2. Depersonalization effect due to lack of face to face interactions → loneliness
3. Social media bullying culture.