Mayor of New York City Eric Adams recently categorized social media as a “environmental” hazard, a decision that appears to be motivated more by a fear of information access and free speech than by a sincere concern for public health.
This action is an attempt by Adams to divert attention away from his own legal problems and policy errors rather than one that is primarily about social media. Additionally, some Democrats are unwilling to restrict the use of social media as a platform for citizens to voice their concerns or dissatisfaction with government actions.
According to the mayor’s Social Media Advisory, concerning data from 2011 to 2021 show a 42% rise in pessimism among high school students in New York City. But these numbers don’t only fall short correspond to social media use, but it’s obvious that Adams isn’t adhering to “the science.”
As it turns out, the city’s own problems—a failing educational system, widespread crime, rising homelessness, and general mismanagement—appears to be the main reasons of this hopelessness. Remarkably, one in nine city kids are in shelters, a sign of serious problems that go beyond what can be found on social media.
Social media is making our kids more vulnerable, but we can still intervene to protect them.
However, the advisory’s deceptive shortcomings remain. Adam’s use of the term “environmental toxin” is misleading. Scientific evidence indicates that social media is not intrinsically hazardous, unlike actual environmental pollutants. In actuality, associations such as the American Psychological Association recognize the advantages of social media for mental health.
