In a letter to Congress, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and 41 other attorneys general called on lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a U.S. surgeon general warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms.
The letter comes amidst growing scrutiny of social media companies for their role in generational harm to young people’s mental health. The attorneys general cited growing bodies of research that link young people’s use of these platforms to psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts in kids and teens. They also note how platforms feature irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and a constant stream of notifications are designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platforms, even at the expense of taking breaks, engaging in other activities, or sleeping.
“With our lawsuits against Meta and Snapchat, we are taking a pivotal stand to hold social media giants accountable for the harm they are inflicting on our children,” said Attorney General Torrez. “These companies have designed their platforms without prioritizing user safety, placing profits ahead of the well-being of young people. It’s time for stronger federal action to address these systemic issues and protect our youth, I support the Surgeon General and urge Congress to require this warning label.”
In addition to AG Torrez’s and other attorneys general efforts, the group say more action is necessary because “social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own.”
The attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee co-led the letter to Congress. Joining them are the 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, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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