Are social media sites hazardous to the mental health of young people? Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy seems to think so. He has called on Congress to put warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those on cigarettes, citing concerns about the mental health crisis among the youth.
However, like the moral panic surrounding video games in the past, the evidence supporting the harmful effects of social media on young people is slim. Research has shown that social media can actually have positive impacts on adolescents, providing them with a sense of connection, support, and creativity.
Dr. Candice Odgers, an expert in teen mental health and social media, warns that falling for this unproven moral panic could do more harm than good for teens. The correlation between teens and mental health issues is more likely due to a lack of access to proper support rather than social media itself.
As with the debunked claims about video games, it’s essential to base decisions on solid evidence rather than fearmongering. Dr. Murthy’s plea for warning labels on social media may be misguided, and further research is needed to understand the complex relationship between teens and digital platforms.