Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, has proposed warning labels for social media due to its supposed impact on teenagers' mental health. However, experts argue that social media should be understood rather than feared. The science on social media's harmful effects is not settled, with critics emphasizing the lack of consistent evidence linking social media to poorer mental health. Murthy cites studies showing adolescents who use social media heavily are more prone to anxiety and depression, but newer research indicates it can also improve mood.

Over 40 state attorneys general urged Congress to place labels on social media platforms warning of their potential risks to children, rallying substantial bipartisan support behind a proposal championed by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. In a June op-ed, Murthy called on federal lawmakers to pass legislation authorizing the placement of tobacco-style surgeon general's labels, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents.