Friends and neighbors –
Today I chaired a meeting of the Education Committee where were dug into some of the mental health problems that children are experiencing to due social media.
In Minnesota, we have spent vast amounts of money and resources — public and private, directly and indirectly — to deal with mental health and other terrible consequences of social media. It’s a real, serious problem that needs addressing.
Several expert testifiers helped explain the complexity of the situation and why it is important to take some form of action soon. These experts included educators, mental health professionals, and a number of children and parents – some of whom had crushing stories.
We know so much more now than we did ten years ago. There is overwhelming evidence showing a strong correlation between the increased use of technology and increasing mental health problems — not only with children but with adults as well.
And worst of all, social media companies did it deliberately. They designed their apps to keep you hooked — to control your attention, flood your brain with dopamine, and keep you coming back for more. We usually don’t even realize the power it has over us.
This was an important hearing. I hope you’ll take some time to watch it below.
You can also take time to visit the website of LiveMore, an organization that promotes digital wellbeing.
If you have any questions, please let me know.