Published September 29, 2024
History’s first “digital natives,” members of Gen Z, are experiencing such acute levels of emotional strain and depression that Jonathan Haidt has described them as “the anxious generation.” The omnipresence of social media is a primary driver of this crisis.
In response, some states have passed laws requiring platforms to age verify their users and obtain parental consent for kids to gain access. On the federal level, the Senate has passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which, among other things, imposes a duty of care on social media companies, obliging them to design their products to be safe for children.
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Clare Morell is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where she directs EPPC’s Technology and Human Flourishing Project. Prior to joining EPPC, Ms. Morell worked in both the White House Counsel’s Office and the Department of Justice, as well as in the private and non-profit sectors.
