Surgeon General Warns About Social Media Use

In a 19-page advisory, the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued a public warning about the risks of social media use for young people.

The warning cited research that suggests social media can have a negative impact on mental health, including increased anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Some research also shows that social media use may be perpetuating eating disorders, low self-esteem and even body dysmorphia.

The warning comes as social media use among young people continues to grow. In 2022, nearly 95% of teens use social media. Nearly 40% of children aged 8-12 were also found to use social media platforms.