Blowing the whistle on Big Tech with Arturo Béjar

This podcast is brought to you by the B416 team. Content Warning: This episode discusses topics including suicide, mental health, eating disorders, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help — you are not alone. In this episode, former Meta engineer and whistleblower Arturo Béjar shares what he saw while working at Meta and the hidden dangers social media poses for teens. Arturo witnessed firsthand how algorithms amplify harmful content, contributing to eating disorders, self-harm, anxiety and even exploitation. He shares chilling real-world examples of viral challenges and predatory behaviour that put young people at risk, and explains why teen accounts and parental controls often fail to protect them. Arturo also outlines what responsible tech could look like and gives practical advice for parents on keeping their kids safe in a digital world that often seems designed to exploit them. This is an important, eye-opening conversation about the very real risks of social media, and the changes we can all make to support one young mind at a time. New Zealand Helplines: Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7) Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) Youth services: (06) 3555 906 What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm) Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053. Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737 The Lowdown: Free text 5626 or visit thelowdown.co.nz EDANZ (Eating Disorders Association NZ): Visit ed.org.nz for resources and support If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111 For more information about Arturo Béjar click hereFollow us @b416.nz or find out more at b416.co.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.