The United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy claimed that social media is contributing to mental health issues among young people.
His solution is to add a health warning to all social media.
And I get it.
Two teens were just arrested for kicking in doors of strangers' homes as part of the "Door Kick Challenge," so they could post their actions on TikTok.
If that's not crazy, I don't know what is.
However, I'm not sure I agree with the surgeon general's reasoning on this one.
Here's his evidence:
Evidence from tobacco studies show that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior.
I mean sure, if you also combine it with a massive, and might I add terrifying, ad campaign:
Mixed with a systemic and equally massive increase in taxes on tobacco.
In fact, real research suggests it's that last one that really seals the deal on reducing smoking in a country.
I mean think about how all the other warning campaigns have faired. D.A.R.E. did not stop people from doing drugs. Road safety commercials have not made the road safer.
Unless, all the social media sites convert to some sort of paid platforms that the government can tax into oblivion, I don't think a warning is going to do it.
Getting parents on board with limiting their kids' screen time would be way more effective.
