Late last month, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory regarding the use of social media by teenagers. The report stated that although nearly every teenager in America uses social media, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that it is safe for them. In response, the Biden administration announced the formation of a task force to develop policy recommendations aimed at safeguarding children online.
This presents a challenge for Big Tech, as well as a public-relations problem. Social media has often been compared to cigarettes, with many considering it dangerous and addictive. At a congressional hearing, Senator Ed Markey likened Facebook to Big Tobacco, accusing them of promoting a harmful product to young people. This comparison is now even more significant, as it calls to mind the 1964 surgeon-general warning about cigarettes causing lung cancer.
However, there are clear differences between cigarettes and social media. While cigarettes directly cause deadly diseases, social media is being blamed for a concerning rise in teen depression and suicide attempts. The American Academy of Pediatrics and others have labeled this a “national state of emergency.” The latest data shows a notable increase in high-school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, especially among girls and LGBTQ students. Unsurprisingly, parents have turned to social media as a possible explanation. A Pew Research Center study revealed that over half of American parents have concerns that social media could negatively impact their teenagers’ mental health.
Compelling evidence suggests that social media platforms contribute to this crisis. However, it is important to note that the scientific research on this subject is not as settled as it may seem. Numerous studies have produced mixed results, primarily due to variations in methodology and the complexity of the issue. Rather than a definitive answer that social media is universally destructive, the research points to a more nuanced understanding of its effects.
The impact of social media appears to differ among individuals, demographics, and life stages. It does not affect everyone in the same way, making intervention challenging. Amy Orben, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, stresses the need for more precise measurements and hypotheses to accurately assess the relationship between social media and well-being.
In recent months, there have been various actions taken against social media platforms. Some states have passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to have social media accounts and age verification through government-issued ID. Lawsuits have also been filed, accusing these platforms of creating a mental-health crisis.
However, these legal endeavors face numerous challenges, including First Amendment issues and enforcement difficulties. Additionally, removing teenagers from social media won’t solve the mental-health crisis, as they may find alternative ways to connect online, or experience new problems from being isolated from their online communities. It is crucial to have a sophisticated understanding of the effects of social media on young people and recognize the deeper underlying issues.
The recent concern surrounding children and the internet has been amplified by the Facebook Papers, leaked documents that shed light on the company’s knowledge of the negative impact of its platforms. One study revealed that Instagram exacerbates body image issues for one in three teen girls, while another showed that teens blame Instagram for increased rates of anxiety and depression.
While the Facebook Papers sparked outrage, the actual scientific research on social media’s effects is a few years old. In 2017, The Atlantic published an article by psychologist Jean Twenge, highlighting the mental-health crisis faced by the generation known as iGen, who grew up with smartphones and social media. Twenge described them as being on the brink of the worst mental health crisis in decades.
In conclusion, there is growing evidence that social media contributes to the mental-health crisis among teenagers. However, the research is not conclusive, and it is essential to consider the individual and nuanced effects of social media. Legislation and lawsuits may not fully address the problem, and a more comprehensive understanding of the issue is necessary.
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