No, the kids are not okay. And our future depends on them, so we have to do something about it.
This week, the US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, highlighted the negative impact social media is having on teenagers’ mental health. The concerns he raised echo those expressed in The Atlantic’s 2017 report questioning if smartphones have destroyed a generation. Teenagers in the West spend nearly five hours a day on social media, with one-third of them staying up until midnight on a weeknight using their devices. This excessive screen time may be contributing to the unhappiness young people are experiencing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, according to the World Happiness Report.
Dr. Murthy raised concerns about the impact of social media on adults as well, pointing out the phenomenon of “doomscrolling” and how online platforms can radicalize individuals. He emphasized the need for better regulation of social media to protect both children and adults.
The Surgeon General’s warning underscores the urgent need for comprehensive platform regulation to address the negative effects of social media on mental health and democracy. As young people spend more time online, their disconnect from real-world experiences can have serious political implications. It is essential to provide engaging cultural experiences offline to counter the influence of online platforms and ensure the future of democracy.
Source: www.theguardian.com
