Social media is likened to cigarettes due to its harmful societal effects.
Audacy, Inc
Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has drawn a striking comparison between social media and cigarettes, highlighting the addictive nature of these platforms and their detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among young people. Adams pointed to mounting evidence that links social media use to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. He advocates for the implementation of warning labels on social media platforms, akin to those found on tobacco products.
Recent jury verdicts have found tech giants Meta and YouTube liable for contributing to mental health issues among children, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory measures. In light of these findings, Adams supports policies that would restrict social media access for individuals under the age of 16, similar to regulations already in place in Australia.
Other former health officials have echoed these concerns, sounding alarms about the escalating mental health crisis among children. Significant percentages of youth are reported to be experiencing serious mental health issues, prompting a growing consensus among experts that immediate action is essential to safeguard children from the perils of social media.
**Sources:** Audacy, Inc; Movieguide; Oman Observer; The Press Democrat.
U.S. visa applicants must disclose social media accounts during processing.
GMA Network, Inc
Starting March 30, 2026, the United States will broaden its mandatory social media screening to encompass a wider array of visa categories. This change will affect applicants from countries including India, Mexico, Canada, China, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines. Under the new policy, applicants will be required to disclose all social media accounts they have used in the past five years and ensure that their profiles are public for review.
The initiative aims to incorporate online activity into standard security checks, allowing authorities to identify potential risks and verify the accuracy of visa applications. Previously, social media checks were confined to specific visa categories; however, the expansion will now include K fiancé visas, religious worker visas, and various humanitarian classifications.
As a result of these changes, longer processing times and increased scrutiny are anticipated, particularly for applicants from high-demand regions. Legal experts caution that discrepancies between an applicant's online presence and their visa application could lead to delays or even denials.
**Sources:** GMA Network, Inc; Outlook Business; The Traveler; Yahoo! Inc.