U.S. Surgeon General: I am concerned about social media and youth mental health

The Washington Post (05/23/2023)
  • In a Washington Post OpEd, US Surgeon General Dr.
  • Vivek H.
  • Murthy raises concerns over the potential harms of social media on youth mental health.
  • Noting we lack evidence that social media is “sufficiently safe” for youth, Murthy highlights the risk of harm to mental health from exposure to extreme content, cyberbullying and excessive use.
  • Studies show that 95% of American teens use social media for 3.5 hours (avg) everyday.
  • Murthy urges policymakers to establish age-appropriate standards and technology companies to design protections.