A bipartisan group of attorneys general from 42 states have called on Congress to require Surgeon General warning labels on social media apps in order to address addiction and mental health issues among young adults. The attorneys general expressed concern for the safety of youth in their jurisdictions and emphasized the need for federal action to alert people to the dangers posed by social media platforms. This call for warning labels is seen as a significant step towards mitigating the risks associated with excessive social media use.
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, in a scathing New York Times op-ed, likened social media apps to cancer causing cigarettes and highlighted the detrimental impact of excessive social media use on mental health, particularly among teenagers. Studies have shown that spending extended periods of time on social media can lead to an increased risk of depression, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. The attorneys general emphasized the need for public awareness about the risks associated with social media platforms and voiced support for the Surgeon General’s recommendation for warning labels.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has been vocal in her opposition to social media companies, supported the implementation of warning labels on social media apps as a means of raising awareness about the potential harm they can cause to users, particularly young adults. James has been involved in legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, accusing them of causing irreparable harm to the mental health of young adults. The introduction of warning labels would require Congressional approval, bringing attention to the need for legislative action on this issue.
Surgeon General Murthy has advocated for parents to be informed about the harmful effects of social media use and has urged Congress to implement measures that would require warning labels on apps. Despite his calls for action, Congress has yet to introduce a bill requiring warning labels on social media platforms. However, the Senate did pass the Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to protect children from harmful online content and hold tech companies accountable for any harm caused by their platforms. This broader legislation is seen as a step towards addressing the issues raised by Murthy and the attorneys general.
The bipartisan effort by the attorneys general underscores the collective concern about the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of young adults in the United States. By calling for Surgeon General warning labels on social media apps, they are seeking to raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive use of these platforms and pave the way for further regulatory actions to protect youth from potential harm. The push for warning labels reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the negative consequences of social media on mental health and underscores the importance of regulatory measures to mitigate these risks.
