HARTFORD, Conn. — Demanding change from big tech, Connecticut leaders and students called for accountability Thursday in Hartford. They want big tech to listen to how social media has impacted their young lives. Gearing up for a fight against some of the world’s biggest tech companies, Connecticut’s federal and state political leaders held a listening session of sorts.
“This will be really important for me in my lawsuit and my investigation,” remarked Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.
“They should be held accountable for some of the really toxic stuff and evil content that damages people’s lives,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
The senator and attorney general sat with students at Hartford’s Sport and Medical Science Academy to discuss the impact of social media on their lives.
Students described the benefits and challenges associated with TikTok, for instance.
“I came to school one Monday, and we had no mirrors in our bathroom. They were all in the toilet,” remarked a student.
Students spoke of infinite scrolling algorithms that can reinforce negative emotions.
“She just took my phone and for half an hour she was just scrolling,” added another student.
Tong is suing META, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
“They have a social, ethical and legal obligation not to do harm to young people,” said Tong.
Blumenthal is sponsoring the Kids Online Safety Act, a bill with bipartisan support.
“They should be held accountable for some of the really toxic stuff and evil content that damages people’s lives,” he added.
One by one, students passed the mic, describing their social media experiences as both negative and positive.
“I’ve been trying to stop using it and stay away from it. It’s actually addicting. You don’t even realize that you are addicted to it,” said one student.
“I see bible verses on TikTok and I even started to learn a little Spanish on TikTok,” rebutted another student.
One student described how she hadn’t explored social media until the COVID lockdowns, saying, “I think being stuck inside was the worst thing that possibly could have happened.”
Students said they believe the often toxic culture can lead to eating disorders, mental health concerns and even suicide.
“There’s a lot of bullying,” said student Aston Whittingham.
Student Favour Ikeh told FOX61 it comes down to being a responsible consumer of information, saying, “You have to be your own independent person, to not let everything around you control you or influence your decisions.”
Both Tong and Blumenthal said they acknowledge there are some benefits to social media, including unlocking the world in terms of culture and travel and keeping people connected, but they say they’ll still hold big tech accountable for the negative elements.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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