Attorney General James urges Congress to require social media warning labels

September 11, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Attorney General Letitia James co-led a coalition of 42 attorneys general in urging Congress to implement warning labels on social media platforms to address mental health risks for adolescents. Photo: Brittany Newman/AP

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Attorney General Letitia James has co-led a coalition of 42 state attorneys general in calling on Congress to implement warning labels on social media platforms, in line with a recommendation from the U.S. Surgeon General.

The bipartisan effort seeks to combat the mental health risks associated with social media use among adolescents by mandating that platforms prominently display warning labels similar to those found on tobacco products.

“Young people across our country are struggling, and these addictive social media algorithms are only making this mental health crisis worse,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “New York has led the nation in our efforts to protect kids from online harm, but everyone needs to know the risk associated with these social media platforms. The Surgeon General’s recommendation is a strong first step in that direction, and I hope warning labels will be implemented swiftly to raise more awareness about this issue.”

The coalition’s letter to Congress echoes U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s June 2024 recommendation for a social media warning label. The letter explains the need to inform users about potential mental health harms. This move is part of a broader initiative to hold social media companies accountable and encourage research and oversight to protect young users from harmful content and addictive algorithms.

The attorneys general also urged Congress to consider additional measures, including the recently passed Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to safeguard children from online harms.

Attorney General James has been a prominent voice in the national effort to protect children online. In June 2024, New York passed groundbreaking legislation targeting addictive social media algorithms. James has continued to lead multiple initiatives addressing the broader impact of social media, including legal action against Meta for its role in exacerbating the youth mental health crisis.

James co-led the current effort with attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oregon and Tennessee, joined by representatives from 34 other states and U.S. territories.

Report highlights mental health risks of social media for adolescents

The report titled “The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health,” conducted by McLean Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham network, explores the detrimental effects of social media use, particularly on adolescents and young adults. It highlights how platforms like Instagram, despite efforts such as hiding likes, still foster unhealthy comparisons and addictive behaviors.

Social media engages the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating a reinforcing cycle that can lead to anxiety, depression and even physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension.

The report explains the significant mental health risks, particularly for young people who may struggle with body image and self-esteem issues due to exposure to unrealistic, filtered images. It emphasizes that social media amplifies the “fear of missing out” and can negatively impact sleep, mood, and social interactions.

Experts at McLean Hospital suggest that users should monitor their social media habits and take steps to mitigate these harmful effects by setting boundaries and engaging in healthier, real-life social interactions.