Social Media Isn’t Like Smoking. Warnings Won’t Work: Dave Lee

The US surgeon general’s call on Monday for social media services to carry health warning labels makes for a great headline, but it will do little to change harmful habits. More forceful action is needed.

Taking inspiration from the anti-smoking efforts that began in the 1960s, Dr. Vivek Murthy’s proposal, he wrote in the New York Times, would “regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe.”

He wants Congress to approve the idea, saying, “Evidence from tobacco studies show that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior.”

I support Murthy’s broad conclusions on social ...