Minnesota Just Passed a Social Media Law That Could Change How We Scroll

Starting July 2026, if you're in Minnesota and open up your favorite social media app, you might see something new before you start scrolling: a mental health warning.

Just like the warnings on cigarette packs or alcohol bottles, social media platforms in Minnesota will be required to show users a pop-up message about the potential mental health risks of prolonged use. Users will have to click through it before diving into posts, photos, or videos.

It’s the first law of its kind in the U.S., and it’s sparking big conversations, not just about tech regulation, but about how we use social media and what it’s doing to our minds.

Why This Is Happening

The push comes after mounting evidence that long-term use of social media is linked to depression, anxiety, loneliness, body image issues, self-harm, and even suicidal ideation, especially among teens and young adults.

Rep. Zack Stephenson, the Minnesota lawmaker who led the bill, put it bluntly:

"Addiction was the business model for Big Tobacco. And the same thing is true for Big Tech."

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, publicly recommended warning labels for social media, citing research that showed alarming trends in mental health, especially in Gen Z.

What the Law Actually Requires

• Pop-up warnings on apps that users must acknowledge before entering.

• Resources like 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Hotline) are built into platforms.

• Civil penalties if platforms ignore the rules.

  
  

A similar feature, periodic reminders about how long you’ve been online, was proposed but didn’t make it into the final law.

Real People, Real Impact

This isn’t just about screen time. Behind the headlines are heartbreaking stories.

Devin Norring, a 19-year-old from Hastings, Minnesota, who died from a counterfeit pill laced with fentanyl, bought through Snapchat. His mother, Bridgette, believes a warning might’ve helped him step away and reconsider.

Another mother, Tabbatha Urbanski, gave emotional testimony in support of the bill after her 17-year-old son also died from pills bought on Snapchat. Stories like these are why some advocates say the law doesn’t go far enough.

Not Everyone’s On Board Minnesota's Social Media Law

Of course, tech companies are pushing back. NetChoice, a group representing platforms like Meta and Snap, argues that forcing private companies to issue government-written warnings is unconstitutional.

Paul Taske, one of their legal directors, said:

“You can’t compel private actors to act as the mouthpiece for the state.”

The group says the government should educate users directly, not make companies do it.

They’re already suing Minnesota's social media law over a separate law requiring algorithm transparency, so it’s very likely this new law will also face legal challenges before it rolls out.

Why It Matters to You

Whether you're doomscrolling on TikTok at 2 a.m. or using Instagram to unwind after work, this law is a wake-up call. Not because it’ll instantly change your habits, but because it signals a major shift in how society views the role of tech in mental health.

It’s a conversation that affects everyone, especially younger generations who've grown up online. The goal isn't to scare you off social media. It's time to start thinking critically about how it's designed, how much power it holds over our attention, and what that means for our mental well-being.