In an effort to address the detrimental effects of addictive social media, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, along with Assembly Members Alex Bores and Nily Rozic, announced new legislative measures targeting algorithmic feeds on social media platforms. These proposed laws—the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for All Act and a second yet unnamed bill—aim to equip users with tools to mitigate the adverse impacts of social media on mental health, attention span, and overall well-being.
Legislative Measures to Combat Social Media Addiction
SAFE for All Act: Empowering Users
The SAFE for All Act, sponsored by Senator Gounardes and Assembly Member Bores, proposes that social media platforms provide users with the option to disable user-personalization algorithms that shape their feeds. By giving users the choice to control their interactions, this measure aims to alleviate some of the prevalent negative consequences such as mental health issues, diminished attention spans, and insomnia that have been linked with prolonged social media engagement.
Furthermore, the Act demands that platforms enable users to turn off notifications, disable autoplay features, and set screen time limits. In an effort to safeguard users, it also requires platforms to avoid employing misleading design tactics known as “dark patterns.” These deceptive practices often manipulate users through misleading language, illegible icons, or complex processes that make account deactivation and cancellation difficult, all of which aim to keep users perpetually engaged.
Warning Labels and Transparency
The second bill, sponsored by Senator Gounardes and Assembly Member Nily Rozic, mandates that social media platforms with algorithmic feeds, push notifications, and similar addictive features include warning labels regarding the potential risks to mental and physical health. With support from notable advocates, including former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy and numerous state attorneys general, this measure draws a parallel to warning labels already standard for other addictive products like alcohol, tobacco, and video games.
These initiatives build on Senator Gounardes’ previous efforts to craft a user-centric digital environment in New York. Last year saw the passage of the SAFE for Kids Act, which prohibited the offering of addictive social media feeds to minors without explicit parental consent. Senator Gounardes’ continuous endeavors underscore a commitment to creating a safer digital space, particularly for younger users, and signify a proactive approach to digital legislation aimed at addressing modern socio-technological challenges.
Addressing the Impact on Adolescents and Adults
Adolescents and Social Media Use
The pervasive influence of social media has had demonstrable repercussions on adolescents and adults alike. Research indicates that teens who spend over three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression, compared to those who spend less time on these platforms. This troubling scenario is further exacerbated by statistics showing that U.S. teens now average 4.8 hours of social media use per day. The extensive duration of screen time not only affects mental health but also contributes to a host of other issues like sleep disruption and impaired cognitive focus.
Notably, adolescents who engage heavily with these platforms are almost twice as likely to rate their mental health as poor compared to their peers. This striking difference highlights an urgent need for legislative measures aimed at curbing these negative impacts. By promoting awareness and providing tools to regulate social media use, the new bills seek to address the escalating public health concerns tied to excessive social media consumption among teens.
Adults and Social Media Addiction
Adults are not immune to these negative outcomes. In fact, with over 59% of the global population active on social media and individuals spending an average of two and a half hours daily on these apps, the addiction extends well beyond the adolescent demographic. Data reveals that among those aged 18-22, 40% have expressed feelings of addiction to social media, underscoring the widespread reach of this modern-day issue. While teenagers are often the focus of media and studies, adults too face significant mental health risks associated with excessive social media usage.
These platforms exploit users’ psychological vulnerabilities—such as fear, anxiety, and loneliness—through algorithmic design that maximizes engagement, often to the detriment of mental health and social well-being. The reinforcement of addictive behaviors through continuous updates and notifications captures user attention in a manner akin to gambling machines, creating a dependency that is hard to break. Addressing these design flaws and providing users with the autonomy to regulate their interaction is a critical step toward mitigating the adverse effects of social media.
Broader Implications and Support
Advocates and Policymakers Weigh In
Senator Gounardes articulated the stakes involved, drawing a parallel to past public health crises: “The hard truth is that social media companies have wreaked havoc on the mental health of all of us, not just our kids. They do it in the pursuit of corporate profit, and everyday New Yorkers end up paying the price. When Big Tobacco was killing thousands of Americans, we stepped in with smart, thoughtful regulations to save lives. It’s time to do the same with Big Tech. My bills to curb addictive algorithms and require warning labels on social media platforms are about creating a safer, healthier internet that makes our lives better instead of worse. They’re about enabling New Yorkers to reclaim control of their own lives from big corporations. They’re about ensuring the internet is a tool that serves us, not the other way around.”
Assembly Member Alex Bores emphasized the importance of these measures for all age groups, “As a state, we made strides last year to protect kids from social media addiction — but as most people’s Screen Time Report would attest, adults can be addicted too. With the Safe For All Act, New York can lead the country in the fight to protect the mental health of all its citizens. It seems obvious to say, but empowering people to control addictive features on their own feeds is an essential way to let them control their own mental health.”
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic highlighted the continuity and evolution of these legislative efforts: “Building on past legislation, these bills establish clearer labeling of data collection practices and stronger privacy protections to ensure kids are shielded from online exploitation and abuse. I am grateful for Senator Gounardes and Common Sense Media’s continued partnership in this important work. Our efforts in securing a safer, more transparent digital future are far from finished.”
Support from Advocacy Groups
In an effort to combat the harmful effects of addictive social media, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, along with Assembly Members Alex Bores and Nily Rozic, have introduced new legislative measures targeting the algorithmic feeds on social media platforms. The new proposals include the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for All Act, and another bill that has not yet been named. These proposed laws aim to provide users with the necessary tools to reduce the negative impacts of social media on mental health, attention span, and overall well-being. The legislation strives to offer a practical solution to the growing concerns about social media addiction and its far-reaching effects on individuals, aiming to cultivate a more mindful and healthier online environment. The focus is on giving users the ability to manage their social media consumption more effectively, fostering better mental and emotional health. This initiative underscores the importance of addressing the pervasive issue of social media addiction in today’s digital age.
