California may soon become the first state in the nation to require warning labels on social media platforms. The proposal would place notices similar to tobacco labels on apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, cautioning users about risks such as misinformation, addiction, and mental health impacts. The effort is intended to promote safer online experiences for all age groups.
But will it work? NBC Palm Springs contributors Tammy Bleck and Katrina Dixon are skeptical. Dixon argued that warning labels have never been particularly effective. “We’ve grown up with labels on everything from cigarettes to the most inconsequential things, and none of them stop people from making poor decisions. People just swipe past them,” she said. “It’ll cover the companies legally, but I don’t think it’ll make a difference for society.”
Bleck agreed, saying few people take warnings seriously. However, she noted that fact-checking notifications can slow the spread of misinformation. “When there are warnings saying content hasn’t been vetted, studies show it reduces sharing,” she explained. “But in general, nobody pays attention to warning labels.”
When asked about the broader impact of social media, Bleck called it a “cesspool” filled with baiting, insults, and negativity. She contrasted that with her own blog, Witty Woman Writing, which she says highlights only positive content.
As California debates the proposal, the measure underscores growing concerns about how online platforms affect mental health and the responsibility tech companies bear in mitigating harm.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 3, 2025
