Re: What IS "Social Media"??

knuttle <[email protected]> writes:
> On 02/01/2026 5:59 AM, Richard Kettlewell wrote:
>> Daniel70 <[email protected]> writes:
>>> Cross-posted to Linux and Win-11 NGs
>>>
>>> As may here would be aware, last December, the Australian Government
>>> brought in Legislation to limit the access to "Social Media" for those
>>> under 16 years of age.
>>>
>>> Whilst I doubt there were many under-16's using UseNet, I have heard
>>> some suggest that it is a "Social Media".
>>>
>>> Facebook ... Sure!
>>> X ... Sure!
>>> Instagram .... Sure!
>>> Youtube .... Some would suggest it is "Social Media", too.
>>>
>>> ... and there are probably others I can't think of or have Never heard of.
>>>
>>> But is UseNet "Social Media"??
>> In Australian lawn, yes. The definition is given in
>> https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2024A00127/asmade/text section 63C and
>> Usenet clearly fits.
>> I think it would fit any reasonable informal definition of ‘social
>> media’ too.
>> 
> I would think that Newsgroups of this sort would not be included.
>
> Section 63C of URL document
> (2) For the purposes of subparagraph (1)(a)(i), online social
> interaction includes online interaction that enables end‑users to
> share material for social purposes.

If by ‘this sort’ you mean newsgroups about particular operating
systems, people can certainly engage in social chitchat in them, and do
so frequently. They obviously fit the definition in the Australian law.

-- 
https://www.greenend.org.uk/rjk/