Today, top doctors warned that social media may be as harmful to young people as smoking — but what actually is the worst thing about it? Is it addiction, anxiety, misinformation, vanity, or something even harder to define?

And after two boys avoided jail for rape because a judge feared prison would “damage” their futures, listeners try to make sense of a decision that has sparked outrage and confusion. How should justice balance punishment, rehabilitation, and the impact on victims?

This episode was recorded on the 26th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.