Concerns over the impact of social media on minors took center stage during the Joint Committee to Study the Effects of Media on Minors meeting in Texas on January 7, 2025. Key discussions highlighted the urgent need for stronger regulations to protect young users from harmful content and predatory behaviors online.

Dr. McGee, a prominent speaker at the meeting, emphasized the alarming ease with which minors can be exposed to inappropriate content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. He pointed out that while these companies swiftly block copyrighted material using advanced algorithms, they fail to implement similar measures to prevent harmful interactions. "They could sure shut this down in an instant," he stated, referring to the ongoing issue of predatory messages targeting children.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of technology and surveillance. Dr. McGee criticized the slow response of lawmakers to the rapid advancements in tech, warning that many devices are designed to track users even when they believe they are off. He urged committee members to adopt more proactive measures, stating, "Monitoring is tech, it's good tech fighting bad tech."

The meeting concluded with a call to action for lawmakers to accelerate their efforts in creating effective regulations that safeguard minors in the digital landscape. As the committee continues its work, the discussions from this meeting underscore the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges posed by modern media.