US Surgeon General Wants Tobacco-Like Warning Labels on Social Media

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is urging Congress to introduce warning labels for social media platforms that regularly warn parents and teen users about potential mental health harms associated with their use. The proposed warning labels, similar to those already introduced for tobacco and alcohol products, would aim to raise awareness and encourage social media users to change their behavior.

The question of whether social media use is linked to the mental health crisis facing minors in the US is hotly debated. Several other studies and reports suggest this is likely — and that companies like Meta have long been aware of the reported dangers — but some experts (and tech CEOs) believe evidence of the link between social media use and depressive symptoms is lacking. in teenagers and “may be exaggerated.”

For Murthy, the issue is not up for debate. He issued a statement in May 2023 that, while acknowledging the issue was not fully understood, warned that social media poses a “profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.” At the time, the statement encouraged minors, parents and policymakers to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks – such as modeling responsible behavior on social media and allowing for more research into its health impacts – but now, Murthy calls for action to be taken. more urgent measures. taken.

“One of the most important lessons I learned in medical school was that in an emergency, you don’t have the luxury of waiting for perfect information,” he said in the Times guest essay. “You evaluate the available facts, use your common sense and act quickly.”

In addition to warning labels, Murthy calls for legislation that protects young people from online harassment, abuse, exploitation and exposure to extreme violence and sexual content in social media algorithms. Murthy proposed these protections along with others that recommend banning platforms from collecting children’s data and restricting features like push notifications, autoplay and infinite scrolling, which he says “take advantage of developing brains and contribute to overuse.”

Murthy also wants to force social media companies to allow independent safety audits and share the data they have on health effects with independent scientists and the public. “While platforms claim they are making their products safer, Americans need more than words,” Murthy said. “We need proof.” Given that there is currently no regulatory movement for this in the Senate or House of Representatives – and that Murthy’s proposals will require congressional approval – Americans may be waiting for some time.