The NPR Politics Podcast Bipartisan Senators Try To Regulate Social Media. Will They Succeed?
May 15, 2023
Four senators from both parties are teaming up to push for new regulations to protect kids on social media. They aim to address rising mental health issues linked to social media use among youth. However, the path to success is fraught with challenges, especially considering the mixed reactions from tech companies, who both support and oppose regulation. The discussion also sheds light on the complexities of proposed legislation and the various stakeholders trying to shape the future of online safety for children.
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Parental Concerns Drive Senators
- Senators are driven to address social media's impact due to personal experiences with their children and constituents.
- Senator Katie Britt shared anecdotes from a track meet, highlighting parental concerns about social media's effects.
Generational Shift in Congress
- Younger lawmakers with firsthand social media experience are changing the conversation in Congress.
- Senator Schatz acknowledges Congress's past struggles with tech regulation but sees potential for change due to bipartisan concern.
Mixed Messages from Social Media Companies
- Social media companies have sent mixed messages regarding regulation, sometimes welcoming it while simultaneously lobbying against it.
- Meta's lobbying expenditures in 2022 exceeded those of Pfizer and Lockheed Martin, demonstrating their significant influence.