Public Health

Social media, and the internet, more generally, significantly impact the public’s well-being and health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid spread of mis- and disinformation on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) influenced public perception and adherence to health guidelines. Exposure to negative social media content has also emerged as a concern for teen mental health, contributing to issues like anxiety and depression. The addictive nature of these platforms further exacerbates these problems, with excessive screen time linked to adverse mental health. State governments in the US are investigating and pursuing legal remedies to hold tech platforms liable for the negligent design of their products and the resulting health impacts on children and teens. At the same time, other governments are seeking to limit children’s access to social media or require platforms to protect them from harmful content, moves which raise civil liberties concerns.