This week, in a letter to Congress, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and 41 attorneys general urged lawmakers to pass legislation authorizing a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. The request comes amid growing scrutiny of social media companies for their impact on young people's mental health.
“Algorithmic social media platforms have had a devastating effect on kids’ mental health,” said Tennessee Attorney General Skrmetti. “I am proud to support the Surgeon General’s call for a warning on the platforms to ensure both children and their parents better understand the risks. The evidence of the damage done by these platforms continues to mount. My office is in litigation against several social media corporations and remains committed to ensuring that this entire industry does right by our kids.”
The attorneys general cited research linking young people's use of these platforms to psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in children and teens. They also noted how features like algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and constant notifications are designed to keep users engaged at the expense of other activities or sleep.
States have already taken action against social media companies for harm caused to young people. Last year, Tennessee joined 44 other states and the District of Columbia in suing Meta. Many states, including Tennessee, are investigating or actively suing TikTok. Despite these state efforts, the attorneys general argue that further federal action is necessary.
Tennessee co-led the letter along with attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey, and New York. Attorneys general from Alabama, American Samoa, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Utah Vermont U.S Virgin Islands Virginia Washington Wisconsin Wyoming also signed.