New York Takes a Stand: Social Media Gets a Health Warning

New York is making a bold move to protect young people from the potential dangers of social media. Starting now, platforms with features like infinite scrolling and auto-play will have to show warnings about the possible harm they can cause to mental health. This new law is part of a growing trend, with other states and countries also taking action.

Law Targets Addictive Features

The law targets platforms that use addictive features to keep users engaged for longer periods. It applies to any activity that happens in New York, but not to users who access these platforms from outside the state. The state's attorney general can take legal action and impose fines of up to $5,000 for each violation.

Governor Hochul Emphasizes Safety

Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of keeping New Yorkers safe, especially young people. She compared the warnings to those on tobacco products and plastic packaging, which highlight the risks associated with their use. The goal is to make users aware of the potential dangers before they dive in.

Global Trend of Social Media Regulations

This isn't the first time such measures have been taken. Australia recently banned social media for children under 16, and states like California and Minnesota have similar laws in place. The concern about the impact of social media on children's mental health has been growing globally. U.S. school districts have even sued social media companies over this issue.

U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory

In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on safeguards for children and called for social media warning labels. This new law in New York is a response to that call, aiming to provide a safer online environment for young users.