New York City mayor classifying social media as ‘public health hazard’

New York City is the first major city to designate social media as an environmental toxin, or “public health hazard,” Mayor Eric Adams (D) announced Wednesday.

Adams giving a speech address On Wednesday, it slammed a range of social media companies, saying they are “fueling the mental health crisis”, especially among young people.

“Companies like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook are fueling the mental health crisis by designing platforms with addictive and dangerous features,” he said. “We cannot stand by and watch big tech companies monetize children’s privacy and put their mental health at risk.”

Mr. Adams recognized Dr. Ashwin Vasan, New York City Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene. issued a recommendation Classifying “free access and use of social media” as a public health risk.

In its recommendations, the ministry set out a series of steps that adults, especially parents and caregivers, can take to promote healthy social media use. The report urges parents and guardians to delay giving their children access to smartphones and social media until they are at least 14 years old. “Family Media Plan” represents household media habits.

The recommendations also called on federal and state policymakers to build on legislative proposals to protect young people “from the predatory conduct of social media companies.”

Adams said more information about the advisory would be released “soon.”

Social media companies have recently faced increased scrutiny over the role their platforms play in young people's mental health.

Public Health Secretary Vivek Murthy issued an advisory last year warning that social media use can have a negative impact on young people's mental health. Murthy said at the time that there may be a link between time spent on social media and depression and anxiety.

In October, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, was sued by 41 states and the District of Columbia, alleging that its platforms are linked to “depression, anxiety, insomnia, and interference with education and daily life.” was hit by. ”