States Introduce Social Media Laws Amid Expert Doubts

Ritika Shroff, a 19-year-old sophomore, reflects on her Gen Z experience with social media, noting both its benefits in connecting with friends and family and the pressures of comparison that emerged during high school. As more states attempt to address the negative effects of social media on youth mental health through new laws and lawsuits, Shroff expresses skepticism that these measures will yield significant change. Experts, including Kevin Goldberg from the Freedom Forum, caution that localized regulations may infringe on privacy and First Amendment rights, potentially complicating platform use across different states. Recent federal actions, including a U.S. Supreme Court ruling banning TikTok, highlight the escalating tensions surrounding social media regulation. The overarching concern remains the challenge of effectively governing a global medium that transcends state lines. Shroff believes that state-level efforts will likely have minimal impact on the broader landscape of social media.