The JUST Report: The Big Question Facing Social Media
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This week’s call by the U.S. Surgeon General for tobacco-style warning labels on social media products is the latest chapter in one of the defining corporate justness narratives of our time: the impact of social media on the mental health of children and teens.
It’s something that we at JUST have grappled with over the years. Public polling suggests that 86% of Americans are concerned about the impact of social media on children; that 50% of parents of children younger than 18 feel their child(ren)’s mental health has suffered because of social media use; and 83% of likely voters believe social media platforms should be required to protect their minor users.
In step with the polling, bipartisan political pressure for action is growing. For example, Over 40 states are suing Meta claiming the company designed addictive features which resulted in serious mental health problems for children.
As of writing, Meta has emphasized its position that Congress should pass legislation which would require parental consent to join social media if a child is under the age of 16. Currently most social media sites require the account holder to be at least 13-years-old. At the same time, big tech firms have implemented safety features to support a safe, positive online experience for teens.
The question at the center of this is a just one: how will these firms address a critical stakeholder issue that is central to their business model while balancing their near and long term profits?
Be Well,
Martin
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