Drastic Consequences of Social Media Use

The surgeon general’s report underscores the detrimental effects of social media on teens’ mental health and emphasizes the need for collective efforts from policymakers, social media companies and parents to ensure the safety and well-being of young users. 06.06.23 (Getty Images) California; Hayward — Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has issued a warning about the detrimental effects of social media on the mental health of American teenagers. In a recently released report, Murthy highlights the growing concerns surrounding social media use and its contribution to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems among young people. The advisory calls upon policymakers and social media companies to share the responsibility of managing children’s and adolescents’ social media use. According to the report, approximately 95% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 use social media platforms, with about one-third of them being engaged with social media “almost constantly.” Murthy identifies youth mental health as the most significant public health issue of our time and urges policymakers to establish robust safety standards to protect adolescents and teens from harmful content and excessive use. Jim Steyer, the founder of Common Sense Media, applauds the advisory as a clarion call for parents and policymakers, emphasizing the need for
Read More