Q+A S2023E04 - Scams, Trolls, and Social Media

Tonight on Q+A, the digital dilemma … with more of us living, working and socialising online, how can the internet become a safer space for all? Is regulation the answer – or is it up to the tech companies to change the culture?

Tennis champion Jelena Dokic has been candid about the abuse she's copped in the virtual world – and its real-life consequences, while Australia's new gender equality ambassador has even been mocked online by Donald Trump Jr. How can governments tackle this? Is it realistic to simply tell victims to get off socials when their livelihoods can depend on it?

And how young is too young for social media? Tik Tok and Instagram insist you have to be 13 to have an account – but can parents really know what their children are up to online? Politicians around the world are playing catch-up on controlling the social media giants. Will we ever get ahead or are we stuck with low-tech solutions to high-tech challenges?

Meanwhile, as our representatives wrap up a busy fortnight in Canberra, we'll dissect the first sitting week of the year. The Reserve Bank Governor has faced a grilling in the Senate, but says we're not done with rate hikes yet. The PM is attempting to walk a fine line over faith-based schools choosing the staff they want, but could the religious freedom issue prove a problem for Labor?

And Olympian Peter Bol's provisional ban has been lifted – but what damage will the doping allegations do to his Paris preparation? How do athletes bounce back from these kinds of accusations?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

Jelena Dokic, Tennis champion and broadcaster
Narelda Jacobs, Presenter, 10 News First Midday and Studio 10
Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications
David Coleman, Shadow Communications Minister
Imogen Senior, Plan International Youth Advocate