Should social media platforms include US Surgeon General's warnings like cigarettes and booze? Dr. Vivek Murthy says yes.
© Ricardo B. Brazziell + © Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Washington, DC) – Many people agree there are a lot of dangerous aspects of social media — especially when it comes to young kids. Now, the US Surgeon General is taking it a step further and suggesting social media platforms ought to include a specific warning for younger people — about the health risks.
Dr. Vivek Murthy recently penned an opinion piece for the New York Times and said its time to require a warning label — much like the one affixed to packs of cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as alcohol. In 2023, Murthy’s office put out an advisory flagging social media’s potential negative effects on teens. It also called on social media companies to enforce their minimum age requirements while prioritizing safety.
Last fall a Gallup survey found most teens spend close to five hours per day on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Roughly 9 in every 10 teenagers use some form of social media.
