A seemingly innocuous social media post from musician Dan Boeckner has sparked a quiet conversation about the financial windfall enjoyed by the creators of Bitmoji, and whether that success justifies continued online engagement. Boeckner, known for his work with bands Wolf Parade and Operators, publicly questioned whether the substantial earnings of Bitmoji’s founders should preclude them from “bothering people” online. The post, made on an unspecified platform and gaining traction in early February , touches on a broader debate about the social costs of social media and the responsibility of its creators.
The reference to “Bitmoji money” alludes to the 2013 acquisition of Bitstrips by Snapchat for approximately $100 million. Bitstrips, a Toronto-based startup, pioneered the creation of personalized avatars that users could integrate into their messaging. These avatars were later rebranded as Bitmoji within Snapchat, becoming a wildly popular feature. The success of Bitmoji represents a significant Canadian tech story, yet, as noted in the Vice article, it received comparatively little attention in Canadian media.
Boeckner’s comment, while brief, taps into a growing sentiment regarding the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young people. This concern is currently playing out in the courts, as four Ontario school boards are suing the owners of Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for allegedly harming the mental health of their students. The school boards allege that these platforms facilitate cyberbullying, harassment, and the spread of misinformation, contributing to a “attention, learning, and mental health crisis.” They are seeking approximately $4.5 billion in damages.
The lawsuit highlights a key argument made by social media expert Brett Caraway, who believes tech companies should be held accountable for the “social costs” associated with their platforms. Caraway argues that these costs – encompassing impacts on politics, youth, and civil discourse – are often not factored into the companies’ business models. The school boards’ legal action aims to make these firms responsible for the negative consequences stemming from their platforms’ design and widespread use.
The timing of Boeckner’s post also coincides with increased scrutiny of social media’s influence on societal well-being. While his comment doesn’t directly address the Ontario lawsuit, it reflects a broader questioning of the ethical responsibilities of social media creators and the potential disconnect between financial success and social impact. The implication is that significant financial gain should come with a greater awareness of, and perhaps responsibility for, the potential harms caused by the platforms they’ve built.
Interestingly, the name “Boeckner” appears in another context within the Canadian landscape. Robert “Bob” Boeckner, an actuary and pension consultant, recently passed away in June 2024 at the age of 83. He was a longtime trustee of the General Synod Pension Plan (GSPP) and actively involved in responsible investing practices within the Anglican Church of Canada. While unrelated to Dan Boeckner, this highlights the presence of the Boeckner name within Canadian public life.
Dan Boeckner’s career, as detailed on Wikipedia, extends beyond his musical endeavors. He has been a member of several bands, including Wolf Parade, Operators, Handsome Furs, and Divine Fits. More recently, in , he collaborated with Arcade Fire, touring and contributing to their sixth studio album, WE, and subsequently participating in the recording of their seventh album, Pink Elephant, slated for release in . This demonstrates a continued presence and engagement within the creative community.
The musician’s brief online observation raises a complex question: at what point does the success of a platform necessitate a deeper consideration of its societal impact? While the legal proceedings in Ontario seek financial redress for alleged harms, Boeckner’s post suggests a more nuanced debate is needed – one that explores the ethical obligations of those who profit from platforms that increasingly shape our social interactions and mental well-being. The conversation, though sparked by a single tweet, underscores the growing demand for accountability within the tech industry.
