The $940 million fine imposed on Meta in New Mexico has thrust social media back into the centre of a growing global debate over the dangers its platforms pose to young people.
Okoh Aihe said the penalty has renewed concerns among governments and regulatory authorities about a menace that threatens not only the present but also the future of nations, with young people bearing much of the impact.
Although social media has become a critical nexus of modern life—driving communication, work, entertainment and social relationships—the growing dependence of teenagers on digital platforms has raised serious concerns about their mental and social well-being.
Aihe noted that several countries are now taking proactive measures to protect young users, including imposing age restrictions and tightening access to social media platforms.
But he argued that the response is increasingly moving beyond simply controlling users’ access, with authorities turning the spotlight on platform providers themselves.
According to him, the focus is now on what social media companies know, conceal or fail to disclose about features and practices that could expose young minds to harmful content and addictive digital experiences.
The development has intensified calls for stronger regulation and greater accountability from technology giants, as governments grapple with the reality that social media, while indispensable to modern society, can also become a breeding ground for what Aihe described as “social poison.”
The emerging battle is therefore no longer just about how much time young people spend online. It is increasingly about whether the companies controlling these platforms are doing enough to protect the millions of young users who virtually live on them.
With the Meta penalty putting the issue firmly back on the global agenda, pressure is mounting on governments and technology companies to confront the risks head-on before the consequences become even more damaging.
