The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, has issued a stern warning about the detrimental effects of social media on the mental health of young people, with a particular focus on adolescent girls. In an advisory released on May 23, Murthy called for tech companies to implement safeguards to protect children who are in critical stages of brain development.
While acknowledging the benefits of social media, Murthy emphasized that there are numerous indicators pointing to its potential harm to children’s well-being. He expressed deep concern regarding social media’s role in exacerbating the national youth mental health crisis and stressed the urgent need to address this pressing issue.
The advisory shed light on several negative consequences of social media use on youth mental health. It highlighted how social media can contribute to body image issues, unhealthy eating behaviors, sleep disturbances, social comparison, and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescent girls.
These findings were based on responses from a survey conducted among adolescents, which also revealed that those who spend more than three hours per day on social media face twice the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety.
However, the advisory also acknowledged that many adolescents find social media to be beneficial. They reported feeling more accepted, supported during challenging times, connected to their friends, and able to express their creativity through social media platforms.
To address these concerns, the advisory called upon policymakers to strengthen safety standards that enhance the benefits of social media for children of all ages. It emphasized the need to tackle the easy accessibility of inappropriate and harmful content that poses risks to young users.
Tech companies were urged to implement age limits to control access to social media platforms and to be transparent about the impact of their products on children. Additionally, the advisory recommended that algorithms and platform designs prioritize maximizing the potential benefits of social media, rather than focusing on features that encourage prolonged usage.
Saul Levin, CEO of the British Psychiatric Association, stressed the importance of holding social media platforms to the same standard as healthcare, which is to “do no harm.” The report also included a range of suggestions for parents, tech companies, and young individuals to navigate social media more safely and promote positive experiences.
In conclusion, the advisory from the US Surgeon General serves as a significant warning about the potential harm social media can have on youth mental health, particularly among adolescent girls. It calls for immediate action from tech companies, policymakers, parents, and individuals to prioritize the well-being of young people in the digital age.
