Today’s Big Story

How Dangerous Is Social Media?

Is it more like cigarettes or junk food?

We know it’s not great for us, right? Social media is a time suck. It definitely messes with our heads and emotions and warps our sense of reality and expectations. And if that’s not bad enough, it’s about to get worse. Meta’s recent announcement that it will discontinue use of third-party fact-checkers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram in the United States has sparked fears of a new era of disinformation.

It’s no wonder that 50% of American parents think that a TikTok ban would make their children’s lives safer. And more than 67% of parents believe children under 18 need more legislative protections from the dangers of social media. This is a serious subject. After issuing a public advisory about social media platforms last year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy proposed putting tobacco-like warning labels on social networks in response to studies that link social platforms to mental health issues in young people. Nearly 40 U.S. states announced their support of the proposal in September.

California could become the first state to require such a warning label. Last month, a new bill was proposed to help address “the growing mental health crisis” among young people. If passed, social networks would have to show a “black box warning” to all users, regardless of age, during their first time using the platform. The warning, which platforms must display for 90 seconds or more, would then show up at least once a week following its initial appearance.

The New Yorker examines the problem (and possible solution) and wonders how social media will ultimately be viewed by society. They go into how understanding the dangers of cigarettes led to aggressive warning labels that cut back on the number of smokers. Similar warnings about the dangers of sugary cereals and other snacks for children did not lead to a string of state bans on junk food. “Laws were passed to improve the nutritional quality of school lunches; informational campaigns such as the food pyramid and the requirement for clear nutritional labelling were introduced. But advertising continued to target children, and consumers of all ages were free to buy and consume any amount of Frosted Flakes they desired. This health issue was ultimately seen as one that families should manage on their own.”

As we reach a collective fork in the road when it comes to these screens in our pockets, “the question now is not whether these platforms are harmful to kids (they are) or even whether some action should be taken (it should). Instead, we have to decide whether, to children, social media is more like a Big Mac or a Marlboro.” If the former, then the U.S. may be on the right track. If the latter, then Australia might provide a better example. Last fall, the country passed a first-of-its-kind national law that requires social-media platforms—including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram—to ban users under the age of sixteen. These companies were given twelve months to figure out how to enforce the law or face fines that could exceed thirty million dollars. Industry groups predictably complained, but the bold move has been broadly popular among the public. A YouGov poll revealed that 77% of Australians supported the law.

Judge Temporarily Protects Birthright Citizenship

The federal judge blocked the executive order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional”

President Trump's team offered its first defense of an executive order on birthright citizenship, telling a federal court that children whose parents aren't citizens are “not subject to” American jurisdiction as envisioned in the 14th Amendment. That amendment to the Constitution promises citizenship to those born on U.S. soil, a measure ratified in 1868 to ensure citizenship for former slaves after the Civil War.

But on Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the executive order during the first hearing in a multi-state effort challenging the order. According to the Associated Press, Trump’s order drew immediate legal challenges across the country, with at least five lawsuits being brought by 22 states and a number of immigrants rights groups. A lawsuit brought by Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Illinois was the first to get a hearing.

Senior U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour heard 25 minutes of arguments and then issued an order from the bench blocking the policy from taking effect for 14 days. There will be a further briefing on a preliminary injunction to permanently block the executive order while the case proceeds. “I’ve been on the bench for over four decades,” Coughenour, a Ronald Reagan appointee, said. “I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.” However, the Department of Justice later said in a statement that it will “vigorously defend” the president’s executive order, which it said “correctly interprets the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.” So we’ll have to wait and see how this turns out.

Leica’s 100th Anniversary

The brand is celebrating with a limited-edition camera and other cute merch

In 2025, Leica celebrates the centenary of the Leica I–the groundbreaking camera that revolutionized photography as the first mass-produced 35mm Leica model, unveiled at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925. And now the legendary camera brand has unveiled a limited-edition Leica M11 to mark the centennial birthday.

Leica is taking the M11 on a world tour with limited editions for New York, Shanghai, Tokyo, Milan, Dubai, and of course, Wetzlar. Limited to 100 examples for each city, the cameras are engraved with the city on the top plate and feature a glossy black finish, silver chromed elements, an individually numbered hot shoe, and a vulcanite-style leather body. Each one is a numbered edition with a certificate of authenticity further emphasizing each unique model.

The exclusive M11 camera is one of many new anniversary editioned products to be released in Leica's anniversary year. Thankfully, many more affordable items are available such as a Stieff teddy bear, a wooden camera puzzle and handful of pens and other desk items—just in case you miss out on one of the cameras.

A Weekend Pairing

‘The Night Agent’ + a Sabai Sabai cocktail

In 2023, Netflix’s The Night Agent opened with a hook that could be called Hitchockian in how it sucked an ordinary guy into an extraordinary (and arguably even ridiculous) international conspiracy. FBI grunt Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) was assigned the thankless desk duty of being a Night Action telephone operator, a sort of 911 for agents who can’t go through normal channels when they need help. A tech whiz, Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), ends up calling Peter when her aunt and uncles are murdered in the middle of the night, setting in motion a series of increasingly remarkable events that ended with the attempted assassination of the President of the United States. It was an entertaining show that recalled 24 in both its pacing and the suspension of disbelief needed to enjoy it. And it was a hit for Netflix, making a second season inevitable.

Now, the series is back with Peter, now an in-field agent himself, on a mission in Bangkok with a colleague, Alice (Brittany Snow). It turns out that their cover has been blown, which leads to the death of Alice, and Peter going on the run. It’s clear the show has survived the sophomore slump, as Collider says the show has “doubled down on thrills and action” while other critics say the show has managed to both raise the stakes and reinvent itself in the best possible way.

A Valentine’s Day Gift You’ll Both Love

The best gifts to guarantee a night of passion

We know, Valentine’s Day has long been mostly for her benefit, but not this year. Skip the cliché gifts and go straight for the stuff that’s sure to get a long-lasting reaction: We’re talking about MysteryVibe’s award-winning couple’s vibrators. Discover just how euphoric vibes can be when every spot gets the attention it deserves. With best-selling vibrators designed to make pleasure a two-way street, make this Valentine’s Day benefit both of you. Because let’s face it, chocolates are sweet, but upgrading your performance in the bedroom is the treat that keeps on giving. Especially when you can save 35% today.

Take it easy this weekend.