The Problem With Comparing Social Media to Big Tobacco

Politicians, pundits, even the surgeon general have been highlighting the risks social media pose to young people’s mental health. The problem is real – but is it as serious as cigarettes or drunk driving, and what can be done about it? Host Hanna Rosin talks to Atlantic tech reporter Kaitlyn Tiffany about what the research actually shows about teens and social media. 

“It creates this frustrating moment where legislators want to do something now. And I bet the Surgeon General's report will make that more intense. But the research isn't quite caught up. In order to know what to do, you have to know more precisely what the problem is but the research isn't there yet.”

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