This is why 25-year-old influencer Levi Penell is calling for a social media ban for people over 60

It was a moment that caused palpable tension in the studio: podcaster Levi Penell brought up an idea on "Hart aber fair" that immediately sparked discussion. While people usually argue about children and social media, his suggestion was aimed at a completely different age group - the over-60s.

One commenter said: “Just out of diapers and already wanting to ban the internet for people who have achieved something in their lives and worked their whole lives.”

A provocative train of thought

The starting point was a clip about young users of TikTok and Co. Penell initially emphasized the importance of gradually introducing children to digital platforms. But then he turned the perspective around: "I have the feeling that young people are more often able to distinguish AI-generated content from real content, for example, than older people. As a consequence, if we follow that line of argument, I would say that we might have to discuss a social media ban from the age of 60, or for older people."

A sentence that made the audience sit up and take notice - and even received applause.

“We should start with our children first, because the problem is much bigger and more serious there...”, said another user.

Contradiction from Petra Gerster

Long-time presenter Petra Gerster, 70 years old herself, was surprised and strongly disagreed. She suggested education instead of exclusion: Social media is an important way for older people in particular to stay in touch and counteract loneliness, she said.

"You can see in the comment sections time and time again that the young man is right!", contradicts one user.

Between protection and freedom

The discussion at Louis Klamroth picked up speed: Is social media primarily about protecting children - or do adults also need to be regulated more? While Federal Education Minister Karin Prien pleaded for strict age controls in an interlude, Penell considered the brought up comparison with alcohol and prostitution to be "outrageous".

Parents have a responsibility

Finally, former Minister for Family Affairs Kristina Schröder emphasized that not everything should be left to politicians. Whether young people are allowed to use social media is ultimately a decision that parents have to make individually.

Provocation or a serious proposal? Penell himself admitted that his demand was deliberately exaggerated. But that is precisely what makes it so appealing: It opens the door to a broader discussion about the use of social media - not just for children, but for all generations.