Mandate propositions for social media sites to display cautionary notices
In a significant move, attorneys general from 42 states have sent a letter to Congress, urging the requirement of a surgeon general's warning on social media platforms. The call comes amidst growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health of young users.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has stated that social media companies have demonstrated an unwillingness to tackle the youth mental health crisis. Bonta, along with other attorneys general, believes that the companies prioritize profits over addressing this critical issue.
The attorneys general argue that algorithm-driven social media use interferes with adolescents' daily lives by chronically disrupting their sleep. Infinite scrolling and a constant stream of notifications, designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged, are highlighted as problems. These factors contribute to the disruption of sleep patterns, which in turn can lead to mental health issues.
The United States Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, has already voiced his concerns. In 2024, he called for a surgeon general's warning on social media platforms, citing the potential mental health harms, such as addiction and negative mental health effects, especially among youth.
The proposed warning would serve as a reminder of the potential risks for young users. It would complement other actions taken by states to protect young users, such as legislation mandating platforms to display messages cautioning users about these risks. However, these laws face constitutional challenges and significant debate regarding their scientific basis and effectiveness.
Bonta compared the proposed surgeon general's warning on social media to warnings about the risks of alcohol or cigarette use. He believes that such a warning would protect future generations of Americans from the mental health risks associated with social media engagement.
The attorneys general have highlighted states' work to protect children online and argue that this epidemic requires federal action. They have stated that a growing body of research links young people's use of social media platforms to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
The call by the attorneys general is driving legislative efforts in states like New York and Minnesota. Yet, the initiatives are actively evolving amid legal, scientific, and policy debates. Surgeon General Murthy continues to call on Congress to mandate these warning labels nationally to address increasing evidence linking heavy social media use to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and disordered eating in adolescents.
In parallel, public awareness campaigns such as the worldwide "Switch Off" digital detox movement are gaining traction. However, some experts argue that platform design improvements and user education might be more effective than warnings alone.
As of mid-2025, the push for surgeon general-style warnings on social media is a complex and evolving issue, with multiple perspectives and debates surrounding it.
The attorneys general are advocating for a surgeon general's warning on social media platforms, like warning labels on cigarettes and alcohol, due to increasing evidence linking heavy social media use to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Simultaneously, public awareness campaigns, such as the "Switch Off" digital detox movement, are gaining traction, with some experts suggesting that platform design improvements and user education might be more effective than warnings alone.
