Social Media: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a big step regarding all social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok. Under a new law, he has instructed these platforms to show clear and unambiguous mental health warnings on their feeds. Its purpose is to curb those features that keep users glued to the screen for more time than necessary.
Which features is the government keeping an eye on?
According to a Times of India report, the new rule specifically targets those design elements of social media that encourage people to keep scrolling or watch videos without stopping. These include infinite scroll, auto-playing videos, and AI-based content feeds. The government believes that these features are creating addiction-like habits among users, especially children and teenagers.
The scope of the law will be limited to New York
According to a report, this law will apply to activities that occur completely or partially within New York State. However, if a user accesses these platforms while staying outside the state, then this rule will not apply in that case. Its objective is to strengthen digital safety at the local level.
Children’s safety given priority
Governor Kathy Hochul has clearly said that the safety of the citizens of New York has been her biggest priority since assuming office. This also includes protecting children from the possible mental harm of social media. According to him, features that encourage excessive use can have a negative impact on the mental health of children.
Social media compared to tobacco
The New York government has called this initiative a general public safety step. The governor compared social media addiction to products like tobacco, which already come with health warnings. He says that just as warnings are necessary on dangerous products, similarly users on digital platforms should also be informed about mental risks.
Getting support from other states and countries
New York is not alone in this direction. Before this, states like California and Minnesota have also implemented strict rules regarding social media. At the same time, Australia has recently completely banned social media for children under 16 years of age.
Warning has been given in advance
This law also matches the 2023 advice of the US Surgeon General in which it warned about the dangers of social media on the mental health of youth. In that report also, it was recommended to show mental health warning on the feed, which has now been made a law by New York.
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