New Law Aims to Curb Social Media Addiction

New Law Aims to Curb Social Media Addiction

New York has enacted a groundbreaking law aimed at reducing the addictive nature of social media feeds for children. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the signing of two new state laws designed to protect under-18-year-olds from online dangers.

Hochul emphasized that social media transforms "happy-go-lucky kids into teenagers who are depressed." She believes the new legislation will help mitigate this issue. "Today, we save our children," she stated, highlighting the mental health crisis fueled by addictive social media feeds.

Starting in 2025, these laws will require apps like TikTok and Instagram to revert to early social media practices, where content was not tailored by user data. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act mandates parental consent before children under 18 use apps with addictive feeds. Additionally, apps cannot send notifications to young users between midnight and 6 am and must improve age verification processes.

The second law, the New York Child Data Protection Act, restricts the amount of user information that app providers can collect. Hochul claims these measures will create a safer digital environment, giving parents peace of mind and ensuring a brighter future for young people.

Concerns and Criticisms

Despite the positive intentions, some researchers and experts are skeptical about the effectiveness and enforceability of these laws. While many studies link problematic social media use with increased anxiety, depression, and stress, others find weak or no evidence connecting social media to widespread psychological problems.

Experts also question the enforceability of such legislation. Jess Maddox, assistant professor in digital media at the University of Alabama, believes the laws are unenforceable at a state level and compares them to ineffective age verification laws for accessing pornographic websites.

Another concern is the mixed messages from different states regarding social media regulation, which complicates enforcement for platforms operating across state and international borders. This patchwork approach could undermine the overall effort to regulate social media effectively.

Industry Reactions

The response from social media platforms has been mixed. Netchoice, representing major tech companies, described the legislation as "unconstitutional" and warned of potential unintended consequences, such as increased exposure to harmful content. Conversely, Meta welcomed aspects of the bills, particularly the requirement for parental approval, and expressed willingness to work with policymakers.

Critics of the legislation argue for a unified federal approach rather than disparate state laws. Andy Burrows, advisor at the Molly Rose Foundation, suggests a single, well-developed federal strategy would be more effective. This approach is echoed in discussions about AI regulation, where public algorithm audits and global standards are being considered.

As states push forward with their efforts to protect children online, the debate over the future of social media regulation continues. The outcome of these legislative efforts will shape how young people interact with digital platforms in the coming years.