Meta CEO Apologizes for Social Media Impact on Children: Senate Hearing Highlights Growing Concerns

During a Senate hearing, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologized to families for the impact of social media on children. The committee played a video where children talked about being bullied on social media platforms. Senators shared stories of youth who committed suicide after being blackmailed for money following sharing photos with online sexual predators. Under pressure from Republican Senator Josh Hawley, Zuckerberg addressed the families who shared stories of their children being harmed by social media.

Hawley asked Zuckerberg, “Do you want to apologize to the victims who were harmed by your product?” noting that the hearing was being broadcast live. Zuckerberg stood up, turned around, and addressed the families, saying, “I’m sorry for everything you all have been through. No one should go through what your families have endured, and that’s why we invest so much, and we will continue industry-leading efforts to make sure that no one experiences what your families have experienced.”

Hawley strongly criticized Zuckerberg during the contentious exchange, telling Zuckerberg, whose company owns the social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, “Your product is killing people.” The hearing underscores growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young people.