US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has issued a bold call to action, urging the addition of warning labels on social media apps to alert young people of the potential harm they can cause. The warning label, similar to those on tobacco products, aims to increase awareness and change behavior, according to Murthy. The surgeon general's warning comes as social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have been accused of having a profoundly negative impact on children, including promoting negative body images, shortened attention spans, and vulnerability to online bullies and predators.

The concern is not unfounded. Young people are spending an average of four hours a day on social media, exposing them to a constant stream of curated content that can be detrimental to their mental health. The platforms' algorithms are designed to be addictive, keeping users engaged for as long as possible by serving up increasingly provocative content. This can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Some US states have already taken steps to address the issue, passing legislation aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of social media. For example, New York state has banned social media companies from serving addictive algorithmic content to users under the age of 18 without parental consent. Florida has gone further, banning children under 14 from using social media altogether and requiring 14- and 15-year-olds to get parental consent.

Murthy's call for warning labels on social media apps is a critical step in addressing this public health crisis. By placing clear warnings on these platforms, we can empower young people and their parents to make informed decisions about their use of social media. It is time for Congress to take action and pass legislation requiring these warning labels, ensuring that young people are protected from the harms of social media.