Social media: the Business of Addiction. 25% of teens

The Kids Online Safety Act's stagnation highlights ongoing concerns about children's safety in relation to social media use. A significant statistic reveals that 59% of teens aged 13 to 17 use Instagram, with 24% classified as social media addicts. This alarming rate of addiction mirrors that of known substances like nicotine, raising questions about the broader societal impact. Social media platforms appear to create addictive environments, exacerbating issues such as self-harm, conspiracy theories, and self-esteem problems among teenagers during a critical developmental stage. The financial success of companies benefiting from this addiction complicates the challenge; their stocks have risen significantly despite the negative consequences for youth. Despite ongoing debates about regulation and safety, many agree that the issue is clear-cut: social media addiction should be treated with the same seriousness as substance abuse, particularly regarding younger users. Even young adults express regret over the existence of these platforms, indicating a growing awareness of their negative impacts. Personal experiences further illustrate the irresistible nature of these platforms, revealing how easily users can lose track of time. The situation demands urgent attention to protect the mental health of today’s digital natives.