Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and 41 other attorneys general are urging congressional leaders to pass legislation that would mandate a U.S. Surgeon General warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms. The call comes as social media companies face increasing scrutiny for their role in negatively affecting young people’s mental health.
“Studies show that there is a link between youth’s use of social media and psychological harm. We are fighting to protect our youth online by calling on Congress to pass legislation requiring a U.S. Surgeon General warning on these platforms,” Moody said. “This warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research and investment into the oversight of social media platforms.”
The coalition of attorneys general cited research linking platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and others to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among children and teens.
The letter highlighted concerns over the addictive nature of these platforms, with features like algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and frequent notifications designed to keep young users constantly engaged, often at the expense of sleep, other activities, and their well-being.
While many states have already taken legal action to hold social media companies accountable, including Attorney General Moody’s lawsuit against Meta in October 2023 and ongoing investigations into TikTok, the attorneys general argue that federal action is necessary. “Social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own,” they wrote, stressing the importance of a national solution.
Read: Top Kamala Campaign Staffers Aided Biden-Harris Admin’s Social Media Censorship Efforts
In addition to Florida, the letter was signed by attorneys general from states and territories across the country, including California, Texas, New York, and the District of Columbia. The coalition’s effort seeks to make social media companies more accountable for the harm their platforms may cause to young users, further pressuring Congress to act in the interest of public health.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.