COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new proposal in the Ohio House aims to put warning labels on social media platforms that lawmakers say are designed to be addictive.
House Bill 808, introduced in the Ohio General Assembly, would require certain social media companies to display clear warnings about the potential risks of compulsive use and addiction-related behaviors on their platforms.
According to the bill text, the legislation would create multiple new sections of the Ohio Revised Code and establish regulations requiring companies to inform users—particularly minors—about the potential mental health and behavioral impacts associated with excessive social media use.
Supporters of the measure say the goal is to increase transparency and awareness around how social media platforms are designed and how they may affect users’ attention, mental health, and daily habits.
The bill defines “addictive social media platforms” as services that use engagement-driven design features, such as algorithmic feeds, notifications, and other tools intended to keep users engaged for extended periods.
If passed, the legislation would mark one of Ohio’s most direct attempts to regulate social media design by requiring consumer-facing warnings similar to those used in public health campaigns.
HB 808 has been introduced and referred to committee for further consideration. No vote has yet been taken.
The proposal is expected to generate debate among lawmakers, tech industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups as it moves through the legislative process.
