By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
New York Enacts Law to Combat 'Addictive' Social Media for Children
New York recently passed a law targeting "addictive" social media feeds for children, though some researchers question its implications.
Earlier this month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her concerns about social media during a press conference announcing the signing of two new state laws aimed at protecting minors from online dangers. Hochul criticized social media for turning "happy go lucky kids into teenagers who are depressed" and asserted that the new legislation would help mitigate this issue. "Today, we save our children," Hochul declared. "Young people across the nation are facing a mental health crisis fueled by addictive social media feeds."
Starting in 2025, these laws could force platforms like TikTok and Instagram to revert to early social media practices for children, removing tailored content driven by user's "likes" and data collection. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act mandates that social media platforms and app stores obtain parental consent before allowing children under 18 to use apps with "addictive feeds," marking a significant effort to regulate algorithmic recommendations. The SAFE Act also prohibits apps from sending notifications to young users between midnight and 6 am, effectively creating a legal bedtime for devices, and requires improved age verification to prevent children from bypassing restrictions.
The second law, the New York Child Data Protection Act, limits the data app providers can collect about their users.
"By reining in addictive feeds and shielding kid's personal data, we'll provide a safer digital environment, give parents more peace of mind, and create a brighter future for young people across New York," Hochul explained.
Growing Concerns and Debates Over Social Media's Impact on Youth Mental Health
The new laws in New York stem from increasing worries about social media's effects on young people's mental health. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has even suggested adding warning labels to social media apps, akin to those on cigarette packages. Many young people in the US and globally are facing a mental health crisis, and some big tech employees have admitted the harms their platforms have caused children.
However, the science linking social media to mental health problems is less conclusive than often assumed. Numerous studies have shown that social media can also benefit teenager's mental health, prompting some technology analysts and child psychologists to describe recent political actions as a "moral panic."
Policy advocates and social media experts question the enforceability of legislative measures like the SAFE Act. They argue that such interventions could hinder efforts to tackle the real dangers of social media, including child sexual abuse material, privacy violations, hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful content.
Mixed Messages on Social Media's Impact on Mental Health
Many studies linking social media to poor mental health outcomes focus on "problematic social media use," where individuals struggle to regulate their usage. This has been associated with increased anxiety, depression, and stress. Some research suggests a dose related effect, where negative mental health symptoms rise with more time spent on social media. However, other studies indicate that these associations are weak or non existent, and some even suggest that moderate social media use can be beneficial by fostering a sense of community.
The US Surgeon General's advisory on tech's impact on youth highlights both positive and negative aspects. According to the report, 58% of young people feel more accepted through social media, and 80% appreciate its ability to connect them with friend's lives.
There is also debate over whether problematic social media use is actually a growing issue. A recent meta analysis of 139 studies from 32 countries found no significant increase in problematic use over the past seven years, except in low income countries where mental health conditions are more prevalent.
A recurring issue is that many studies rely on self reported mood and usage patterns, which can introduce bias. Additionally, the variety of methods used in these studies makes it difficult to compare results effectively.