The time is apt to address the detrimental effects of social media use on our mental health, MEP Josianne Cutajarsaid in a panel discussion on mental health and social media organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Malta.

In the same debate, Cutajar, who is also a member of the MEP Alliance for Mental Health,

went on to take stock of the work she is doing in the European Parliament towards regulating the negative effects and abuses in the digital realm.  She specifically referenced the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act as examples of robust legislation in this field, whilst also pointing out that more needs to be done.

Josianne Cutajar emphasised that we still need to address social media addiction, which is originating from an inherently addictive design aimed at leveraging the users’ psychological vulnerabilities for corporate gain. “It is well known that addictive social media use can have harmful effects, like increased pressure, stress, or even depression and anxiety and that is why we need to effectively address this reality,” MEP Cutajar highlighted.

The above sentiment was also reflected in her contribution in plenary this week, where she joined the vast majority of her colleagues in voting in favour of two important reports: a report on tackling the addictive design of online services as well as a report on mental health that recognises social media’s negative psychological impacts. “Let these reports be the start towards definitive action that comprehensively addresses mental health and guarantees a social media future championing citizen well-being,” stated the MEP.

Following this week’s events, Cutajar remarked that “a collective effort to raise awareness on the responsible use of social media among adults, young people, and children alike, remains equally important as our endeavour to hold big tech accountable for the products they place on the market. Collaboration is key to address the risks of digitalisation, whilst unlocking the full potential of digitalisation as a positive tool for our citizens.”