Avenues Recovery, an addiction rehabilitation center in Maryland, is pleased to share that, in a compelling call for action, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, joined by 41 other attorneys general, has urged Congress to mandate a U.S. surgeon general warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms. This move comes in response to mounting concerns about the detrimental effects of social media on young people's mental health and the need for federal intervention to safeguard the well-being of youth.
The Moco Show news site reported, that in a recent letter to Congress, Attorney General Brown and his counterparts highlighted the growing body of research linking social media use among youth to various psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The attorneys general argue that the algorithmic features of these platforms—such as personalized recommendations, endless scrolling, and frequent notifications—are designed to keep users engaged for extended periods. This constant engagement often comes at the cost of sleep and other important activities, further exacerbating mental health problems.
"Every day, our youth are turning to social media platforms that, unknowingly to them, are designed to exploit their vulnerabilities and push them deeper into cycles of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt," Attorney General Brown stated. "Congress must safeguard the well-being of our youth and ensure they are protected from the harm lurking behind swipes and clicks."
This recent push for federal action builds on previous efforts by Attorney General Brown and the coalition of attorneys general. In October 2023, they filed a lawsuit against Meta, accusing the company of deliberately designing features on Instagram and other platforms to become addictive to children and teenagers. Despite these state-level actions, the coalition asserts that social media companies have demonstrated a lack of commitment to addressing these issues on their own.
The letter signed by Attorney General Brown and the 41 other attorneys general includes prominent states and territories such as Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Washington. The unified stance of this broad coalition underscores the urgency of the issue and the need for comprehensive federal legislation to protect young users from the negative impacts of social media.
As the debate continues, the call for a surgeon general warning represents a crucial step towards increasing transparency and accountability in how social media platforms operate. By highlighting the potential dangers associated with these platforms, lawmakers could prompt necessary changes to better safeguard the mental health of young users and foster a safer digital environment.
If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to social media, or any other behavior or substance, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery. Our highly professional and experienced staff have helped thousands of people overcome their addictions with dignity and respect and they can help you too!