New York has officially taken a major step toward regulating the tech world, requiring social media giants to post warning labels on their platforms. The new law targets the very features that keep us scrolling for hours on end – things like infinite feeds, autoplay videos and addictive algorithms – with the aim of protecting younger users from the psychological distress these features can bring. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the law Friday, calling it a necessary protection for children in an increasingly digital world.
New York’s crackdown on ‘addictive feeds’
The new rules directly target what the state calls “addictive feed.” These include TikTok’s endless scrolling, YouTube’s autoplay videos, and Instagram’s AI-curated feeds designed to maximize engagement. By law, platforms that use these features must display clear, conspicuous warnings. These warnings warn users – especially teens and children – about the mental health risks, such as anxiety and depression, that come with screen time.
Governor Hochul compared these digital warnings to the labels we see on cigarette packs or plastic bags. If we warn people about the physical risks of tobacco or the choking hazards of packaging, we should, in their eyes, do the same for the psychological risks of social media. It’s a move that shifts responsibility from parents to the platforms themselves and demands transparency about how their designs actually impact the brain.
Legal teeth and a global trend
This isn’t just a suggestion; It is a law with real consequences. The New York Attorney General now has the authority to take action against companies that do not comply and can impose fines of up to $5,000 for each individual violation. While the law only affects users physically located in New York, it sends a clear signal to the tech industry that the era of “self-regulation” is effectively over.
New York joins the growing list of places taking a tougher stance on technology. California and Minnesota have already passed similar laws, and Australia recently caused a stir by completely banning social media for children under 16. It feels like a turning point – a global consensus is forming that the way these platforms are built is not just “interesting” but potentially harmful.
What this means for your daily scrolling
For families, this could change the way social media feels. The labels are intended to serve as a “speed bump,” forcing users and parents to stop and think twice before getting lost in a three-hour scrolling session. The hope is that by treating these features like a public health issue, we can begin to develop healthier digital habits.
The timing is also crucial. Big tech companies are already facing massive lawsuits from school districts over student mental health crises. Even the US Surgeon General has called for such labels, and New York is now the first country to turn this advice into legal reality.
As other states watch this unfold, we could be looking at a future where social media looks very different across the country. Companies may eventually be forced to abandon these addictive design tricks altogether—or face a never-ending patchwork of laws that make it impossible to operate the same way everywhere.
