Surgeon General lacks evidence for warning against social media for young people

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy today issued a public advisory against alleged risks of social media use to the mental health of young people. CEI technology policy expert Jessica Melugin criticized that move, because there’s not enough evidence to substantiate that claim of harm.

Statement by Jessica Melugin, Director of CEI’s Center for Technology and Innovation

“The surgeon general saying there’s not enough evidence to prove social media is safe for young people is the precautionary principle at work. In an open, free enterprise society, the burden of proof falls on the regulators, not the innovators. Anything less brings progress to a halt. Tech companies are already providing tools and information to parents so they can make the best decisions for their kids.”