In a powerful statement during a recent Vermont Senate Institutions meeting, advocates underscored the urgent need for the proposed age-appropriate design code aimed at protecting young users from the harmful effects of social media. The discussion highlighted how major platforms like Meta and TikTok prioritize engagement and revenue over the well-being of children and teens, leading to devastating consequences.

The advocate emphasized that the bill is not about regulating content but rather about how these platforms are designed. "Social media platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive," they stated, pointing out that algorithms are crafted to maximize user engagement, often at the expense of mental health. This design strategy has contributed to a mental health crisis among youth, with alarming statistics showing that over a third of teenagers are on social media almost constantly.

The testimony included harrowing examples of the real-world impacts of these design choices, including cases of cyberbullying, substance abuse, and even suicide linked to online harms. The advocate called attention to internal studies from Meta that revealed the negative effects of features like "like" counts and beauty filters, which have been shown to harm young users' self-esteem and mental health. Despite this knowledge, the company chose to prioritize user engagement over safety.

The proposed age-appropriate design code aims to enforce transparency and accountability among social media companies, ensuring that the design choices made do not exploit or endanger young users. As the advocate concluded, the need for such regulations is critical, as social media companies often choose profit over the safety of children. The Vermont Senate is now faced with the challenge of addressing these pressing issues through legislative action.