The Surgeon General of the United States is calling for warnings on social networks to be comparable to warning labels on cigarette packs. They should routinely inform young users and their parents about the potential harm to mental health associated with the use of these platforms.
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The Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Dr Vivek Murthy, in a Guest article in the New York Times newspaper (NYT). This is not the first time he has issued an urgent warning about the consequences of general, intensive use of social networks. Exactly a year ago, his authority, together with other health authorities, published a 25-page warning report on the subject.
The Surgeon General of the United States is the senior official in the United States Public Health (PHS) Service and reports directly to the Deputy Secretary of Health. The appointment is nominated by the US President for a four-year term before being confirmed by the Senate.
Mental health risks
already existing Social media and youth mental health reportPublished by the PHS in 2023, the Surgeon General addresses the challenges of young people’s intensive use of social networks. Although the report suggests there may be some benefits for teens – such as developing social connections – Dr. Murthy outlined the growing negative impacts on young people’s health.
Their cautious conclusion at the time: “We do not yet have sufficient evidence to determine whether social networks are sufficiently safe for children and young people.” They pointed to several indicators “that suggest they may seriously threaten the mental health and well-being of our young people.” The report was based on dozens of studies; nevertheless, they called on scientists to establish the effects on young people’s mental health as a research focus.
Studies available at that time showed that children aged 13 to 17 spend about 3.5 hours a day using social networks (2021 data). According to Murthy, teenagers who spend this much time on social networks double their risk of anxiety and depression symptoms. In addition, almost half of young people said that using these online services made them feel worse.
several hours every day
Average daily use in this age group has now increased to approximately 4.8 hours per day (summer 2023). This has led the Surgeon General to sound the alarm once again, louder than ever.
“One of the most important lessons I learned during medical school is that in an emergency, you don’t have the luxury of waiting for the right information,” Murthy wrote in his NYT op-ed. “You evaluate the available facts, you use your best judgment and you act quickly.”
Their suggestions for immediate measures include information and advice about the risks, as already outlined in their advisory report in 2023. Who knows if intensive use of social networks is associated with changes in the still developing adolescent brain, specifically in the amygdala (an area important for emotional learning and behavior) and the prefrontal cortex (an area that regulates impulse control, emotions and social behavior). In addition, the doctor adds, excessive use of social networks is also associated with sleep and attention problems, as well as a feeling of exclusion.
Restrictions on features and content
This is why the Surgeon General is now urging the US Congress to introduce warnings for relevant platforms that regularly warn parents and young users about the potential harm they can cause to mental health. The proposed warnings, similar to those already in place for tobacco and alcohol products, are meant to raise awareness and encourage users to change their behavior.
In addition to the warnings, Murthy is calling for laws to protect young people from online harassment, abuse, exploitation, and excessive violence and sexual content, which he says is often the case in algorithm-driven feeds. He also recommends banning platforms from collecting data on children and limiting features like push notifications, auto-starting videos, and infinite scrolling. These things “exploit the developing brain and contribute to overuse.”
Additionally, the Surgeon General wants operators to “share all of their health effects data with independent scientists and the public — which they are not currently doing — and allow for independent safety reviews.” Vivek Murthy emphasizes: “While platforms claim they are making their products safer, Americans need more than just words. We need proof.”
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