Policymakers are trying to catch up with the rapid changes in technology and its impact on young people. In 2023, twelve states enacted laws related to social media, such as Montana’s groundbreaking TikTok ban. This year, state legislatures have introduced 230 social media-related bills nationwide.
In 2024, the focus has expanded to include the potential dangers of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Around 80% of states have proposed AI-related bills. Over 40 states are considering these bills, with California alone seeing 100 proposals. Colorado has implemented a significant law to protect users from “algorithmic discrimination,” while other states are forming AI task forces and addressing the rise in AI-generated child pornography.
Moving Beyond the Status Quo
It’s not just about restricting young people from platforms like TikTok and Instagram. We need a balanced approach that supports young people while setting up safeguards to minimize harm. Lawmakers should focus on creating policies that protect without taking away the positive aspects of online communities. Additionally, it’s crucial to involve young people in shaping the policies that affect them.
The 2024 report from Hopelab and Common Sense Media, “A Double-Edged Sword,” highlights that social media use among 14-22-year-olds can be both supportive and challenging. Young people use social media for emotional support, connections, and mental health resources. Many, especially Black and LGBTQ+ youth, find online communities that are hard to find locally. However, they also face harmful content and must manage their exposure by taking breaks from social media.
Evidence-Based Policy in Action
In New York, the SAFE for Kids Act aims to help young people manage their content by eliminating algorithm-driven feeds, showing posts in chronological order instead. Similar bills are being introduced in other states to mitigate the impact of platform algorithms.
Research shows that a significant percentage of young people value social media for its ability to create connections and inspire creativity. According to the report:
- 70% use social media for inspiration.
- 60% use it to express themselves creatively.
- 55% use it to feel less alone.
- 54% seek support or advice.
LGBTQ+ young people, who often face online harassment, use social media to combat loneliness and find validating content. Additionally, 68% of social media users aged 14-22 often encounter supportive comments about diverse body shapes, sizes, and capabilities. Around 60% see affirming comments about racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ identities.
Moving Forward with Youth-Centered Policy Design
The evidence is clear: we should avoid an all-or-nothing approach to social media legislation. For instance, Utah banned social media accounts for those under 18 without parental consent, but later amended the laws after facing multiple lawsuits.
Generative AI is another evolving technology that demands attention. A report from Hopelab, Common Sense Media, and Harvard’s Center for Digital Thriving found that LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to view the impact of generative AI negatively compared to cisgender/straight peers. This serves as a warning for policymakers.
While 51% of young people aged 14-22 have used generative AI, mostly for information and brainstorming, only 4% use it daily. Generative AI is seen as a mixed bag, with 41% of young people believing it will have both positive and negative impacts over the next decade.
One of the biggest challenges for policymakers is the rapid advancement of generative AI, which outpaces the usual policymaking timelines. The urgency to act is now.
As young people explore generative AI, it is essential for federal and state leaders to involve them in the legislative process. We need to center their experiences and collaborate on solutions that work for them. The time to act is now.
By incorporating these insights and engaging with the youth, we can create policies that not only protect but also empower the next generation in this digital age. Let’s make sure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
