Show HN: Erin – Open-source and self-hosted TikTok feed for your own videos

My parents never restricted me access, but talked with me openly about movies, games, or websites they saw me using/playing when they came to my room. I didn't take any precautions, or fear their reactions... because they were open about things with me.

Some discussions went pretty deep, others not really.

Moreover, they usually would spend time with us late evening watching interesting stuff. Given how open they were, me and siblings would ask about it too. They weren't the type that watched the most banal thing either.

I did end up visiting many strange websites. But the way they educated me never came second. I did start concerning myself with what I consumed.

Honestly it's better to open up, talk, keep up with what they watch but in a way that can be educative for them (i.e. question, discuss).

This is mostly things above 10 yo, granted. Before that I didn't have internet. But my friends did, and I did spend lots of time with friends.

My point is, it's better to confront with real life things sooner and have the time to talk. After 16 no one has time :)

Not all (or a big majority) of parents will be like this.

Until they are, screentime and internet access should be regulated for young people.

Parents think their kids are safe at home but the whole world is coming into it.

I definitely like this approach, but a big problem is how social media captivates your attention, gets you addicted, and then you’re watching whatever the algorithm wants.

At that point, it gets very, very hard to have a meaningful conversation about what the algorithm chooses to show you.

So I’m not so sure any more. It’s clearly not healthy for kids to be addicted to social media, and how do you avoid that except by restricting use of those apps?