How to Hold Social Media Platforms Accountable

Social media has emerged over the last several decades as both an invaluable resource and a source of harm to youth. With the rise in social media use among youth and the increase in social media platforms’ use of deceptive design techniques, there is growing concern about the harms of these platforms to the mental health and wellbeing of youth.

To address this we’ve developed model legislation, a supporting guide, and fact sheets to help advocates create safer online spaces for youth. Our Roadmap provides practical guidance for policymakers and advocates to mandate independent algorithm risk audits and promote transparency on social media platforms, paving the way for a healthier digital environment for youth. Whether you’re a lawmaker, advocate, or simply interested in positive change, our tools will provide you with the resources you need to make a difference in the lives of youth.

Roadmap, Model Legislation, and Fact Sheets

How to Hold Social Media Platforms Accountable

A Roadmap for State Policymakers & Advocates for Legislation to Require Independent Algorithm Risk Audits

The Social Media Algorithm Accountability Act

Model legislation that can be adapted for any state to promote social media transparency and accountability regarding impacts on the mental and physical health of youth

Fact Sheet: Science Says

One-page outline of the science behind why third-party risk audits are necessary safeguards for addressing rising youth mental health issues linked to social media design.

Fact Sheet: Economic Drivers

One-page summary of our simulation study estimating annual ad revenue from US youth social media users, highlighting the need for government regulation due to platforms’ lack of transparency and self

Fact Sheet: Legal Arguments

One-page outline of the legal arguments in support of third-party risk audits to increase transparency and accountability of social media algorithms’ effects on promoting harmful content to youth us

News Summaries: Mental Health Harms from Social Media Design Practice

A collection of news stories that report on the negative impacts social media has had on youth mental health and well-being.

Science Summary: The Impact of Social Media on Teen Health

Overview of recent research on social media’s impact on adolescent health, highlighting increased risks like decreased life satisfaction, disordered eating, and greater psychological distress.

Research Publications

Costello N, Sutton R, Jones M, Almassian M, Raffoul A, Ojumu O, Salvia M, Santoso M, Kavanaugh JR, Austin SB. Algorithms, addiction, and adolescent mental health: An interdisciplinary study to inform state-level policy action to protect youth from the dangers of social media American Journal of Law and Medicine. 2023;49(2-3):135-175. 

• This article highlights our research team’s public health and economic findings, paired with our legal analysis and subsequent recommendations, offering innovative and viable policy actions that state lawmakers and attorneys general can adopt to shield youth from the dangers posed by social media algorithms.

Raffoul R, Ward ZJ, Santoso M, Kavanaugh JR, Austin SB. Social media platforms generate billions of dollars in revenue from U.S. youth: Findings from a simulated revenue modelPLOS ONE. 2023;18(12): e0295337.

• This article presents our research team’s public health and economic analysis, revealing how six major social media platforms generated nearly $11 billion in ad revenue from U.S. youth in 2022. It underscores the urgent need for policy action to increase transparency and protect young users from the mental health risks posed by social media exposure.

STRIPED’s Response to NTIA Request for Comment on Kids’ Online Health and Safety

In October 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a  notice requesting public comments on “the current and emerging risks of health (including mental health), safety, and privacy harms to minors arising from use of online platforms” (NTIA-2023-0008-0001).