Tech CEOs to Stand Before the Senate
What? Leaders representing Meta, Alphabet (the parent company of YouTube), TikTok and Snap have been called to testify before the Senate on June 23, 2026, as legislation and advocacy “place mounting pressure on the tech companies […] to protect children and teens who use them by making material changes to how they operate,” as per ABC News.
So What? This isn’t the first time the CEOs of social media companies have appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee. They previously testified in January 2024 on the roles their apps play in addiction and child exploitation. Our very own Emily Tsiao and Bob Hoose spoke into such questionings and related lawsuits here.
Now What? We’ve written at length regarding the addictive nature of screens—and even Gen Z knows the dangers, as the rising interest in “Appstinence” makes clear. These renewed calls to testify should serve as a sobering reminder about the negative effect social media algorithms can have on children—and perhaps spur parents to make some changes regarding how they interact with screens in their homes.
Roblox Pays $12 Million Settlement for Child Safety Criticisms
What? Popular gaming site Roblox has agreed to pay over $12 million to the state of Nevada rather than face litigation over child safety concerns. The site also committed to increase protections for minors who use it, including enhanced age verification and restricting nighttime notifications for minors.
So What? This settlement comes on the heels of intense scrutiny against Roblox for what many have described as “cultivating an environment that knowingly endangers children.” Inappropriate games and child sexual abuse material have been posted onto the gaming site, and child predators have used it to target their victims.
Now What? Roblox is used by millions of children, with some reports estimating that half of all U.S. children under the age of 16 have joined the site. If your child uses Roblox, teach them about online safety and encourage them to share anything they encounter that feels suspicious. And consider whether Roblox may be something to ban in your household.
Most Gamers Now Refuse to Buy Full Price Video Games
What? Video game and console prices are on the rise. The Gamer noted that “the industry standard for a new release from a triple-A studio is $70,” a number that recently rose from $60 over the last year or two. Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo—the companies behind the PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch, respectively—all announced price increases to their consoles. And artificial intelligence’s demands for available RAM, GPU, CPU and SSDs have driven up the price of building a gaming PC, too.
So What? A study conducted by IGN Entertainment found that 62% of “highly-committed content consumers” in the U.S., UK and Australia are no longer willing to buy full-price games.
Now What? Fostering your child’s gaming hobby may be more expensive than ever. Parents with young gamers may consider waiting for sales before they buy for their kids—or seeking out cheaper alternatives, such as indie games or second-hand equipment.
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