Anyone who has scrolled through social media knows how quickly a few minutes can turn into hours. What begins as harmless entertainment—short videos, memes, or posts that seem uncannily tailored to individual interests—can quietly become compulsive. Behind the screen, sophisticated algorithms are deciding what users see, shaping attention, behavior, and even emotions. Critics warn that this dynamic is especially dangerous for children and teenagers.
Citing growing concerns over mental health and digital addiction, Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a new law requiring warning labels on social media platforms that use so-called “predatory design features.” These include addictive feeds, auto-play videos, and infinite scrolling—tools that research has linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, particularly among young users.
The systems most often cited by researchers and regulators as promoting dopamine-driven reward loops include TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Snapchat. Under the new law, platforms must display warning labels when young users first encounter addictive features and periodically after continued use. The warnings must be clearly visible and cannot be bypassed.
Supporters of the legislation have compared the new labels to long-standing consumer warnings on tobacco, alcohol, and certain foods, arguing that transparency empowers families to make informed decisions.
“New Yorkers deserve transparency,” Hochul said at the bill signing. “Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use.”
Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano echoed those concerns, calling the law a necessary step toward accountability. “These platforms are deliberately engineered to keep users hooked, and parents deserve clear warnings about what their children are watching,” DeStefano said. “This law puts public health ahead of corporate profits and gives families a fighting chance to push back.”
State officials said specific implementation guidelines and enforcement details will be finalized in the coming months as the law rolls out statewide.