New York City’s health commissioner committed to draft a strategy to reform and regulate the business like they would any other public health hazard, claiming that social media is inflicting substantial harm to young people.
Social media is a “digital toxin” that is inflicting considerable harm to young people, according to New York City’s health commissioner, who committed to draft a plan to restructure and eventually regulate the business like they would any other public health concern.
“We’ve got to get our heads and hands around this,” said Dr. Ashwin Vasan, commissioner of the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, referring to the mental health crisis afflicting young people in the city and across the country. Unregulated social media platforms use sophisticated algorithms to deceive users, and all users, particularly young ones, are frequently the prey, according to him.
“We’re being socially engineered, and it’s time for government to play the role of government,” Vasan said, noting that he is the father of three young children who are too young for social media yet spend far too much time on devices.
He stated that the long-term plan includes education, advocacy, research and evaluation, legislation, and regulation. “And some of that regulation may necessitate litigation to achieve.” We’re going to use every instrument in our arsenal – the mayor is committed, I am committed, and this city is committed.”
