Ancient 'theatrophobia' mirrors concerns that social media blurs reality for children
Banning children under 16 from social media was one of Keir Starmer's last acts as prime minister before he stepped down in July 2026. Following Australia's ban on children under 16 in 2025, which turbocharged the debate globally, the UK ban is scheduled for early 2027.
In 2026, Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, signed into law a ban on social media use for children under 16. This measure followed Australia's earlier 2025 ban, which sparked global discussions on the topic. The UK ban is set to take effect early in 2027. Recent data reveals that Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, recently settled a $18 billion lawsuit over teen addiction to its platforms, highlighting the growing concern over social media's impact on young people.
The issue is complex and evolving, with debates focusing on the social and emotional effects of social media consumption on developing brains. It's clear that social media feeds on a portrayal of reality that is fundamentally artificial, with filters, AI, and engagement farming tactics creating a blurred line between performance and reality.
This phenomenon is not new, as ancient Greek culture also grappled with a similar issue known as "theatrophobia" or the fear of the theatrical. Classical Athenian dramas, while popular for centuries, inspired fear that art could overpower reality itself. This fear was expressed in the works of authors like Lucian of Samosata, who wrote satirical tales about actors becoming so engrossed in their roles that they lost touch with reality, even harming others on stage.
Although these stories were meant to be humorous, they resonated deeply with their audience, illustrating a timeless concern about the line between performance and reality. Modern concerns about social media echo this ancient anxiety. As young people engage with platforms like TikTok, the line between performance and real life continues to blur.
While a ban on social media for children under 16 may help mitigate some risks, it's crucial to address the root issue of the theatricality and performative nature of social media. It may not be too late to confront this challenge head-on and prevent the dangers of losing sight of what's real in our increasingly digital world.
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