We need transparency standards for social media research that involves companies

Concerns about social media’s impact on individuals and society are increasingly widespread. In response, policymakers and institutions have launched a range of initiatives to protect users. For example, the US Surgeon General has recommended parental warning labels for social media platforms, while Australia has announced a social media ban for children under age 16. Regulations have passed in the United States, India and the European Union (EU), and numerous groups have proposed legal frameworks or regulatory fixes. Yet, these actions are being taken in the absence of robust scientific evidence. The mismatch between growing societal concerns and a scientific knowledge base stems from a shared obstacle facing governments and technology researchers alike: a lack of high-quality data about the benefits and harms of social media.