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Utah governor calls social media a 'cancer': Pleads for the public to log off platforms

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 22:58 GMT by KUTV
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Utah Governor Lays Out “Cancer” Metaphor for Social Media and Urges a Digital Detox

In a sweeping statement that has rippled across Utah’s political and media circles, Governor Spencer Cox—speaking at a statewide rally and later on his own “State of the State” address—declared social media “a cancer” that threatens the mental health of Utah’s citizens. In an effort to “stop the spread of this toxic influence,” the governor called on the public to log off platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube and urged lawmakers to consider tighter regulation and public education about digital consumption.

A “Cancer” Metaphor that Resonated

During his remarks, Governor Cox used the language of disease to describe the compulsive and often harmful habits fostered by social‑media algorithms. “When we talk about cancer, we’re talking about a disease that eats away at the body,” he said. “Social media is doing the same thing to our minds, eroding attention spans, amplifying misinformation, and undermining healthy relationships.” Cox’s comments were echoed by his team’s press release on the official website, which highlighted the growing body of research linking heavy social‑media use with increased anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation—especially among teens.

The governor didn’t just talk about the problem; he offered a concrete solution. “I’m calling on every Utah resident to log off for at least 30 minutes each day,” he urged, citing a statewide “Digital Wellness” initiative that would encourage digital‑free zones in schools, churches, and community centers. The initiative, announced last month by the Utah Department of Health in partnership with the Utah Department of Education, aims to provide resources such as self‑assessment tools, mental‑health counseling, and “unplug” kits for families.

Calls for Regulation and Accountability

Cox’s message came on the heels of a new federal bill—proposed by several members of Congress—intended to hold social‑media companies accountable for the spread of disinformation and harmful content. “We have to ask the platforms what they’re doing to protect our children and citizens,” the governor said. “If they can’t be transparent, they should be held accountable by law.”

The governor’s remarks also touched on privacy concerns. “We need to know how our data is being used and who has access to it,” he said. “We’re not just talking about the present; we’re talking about the long‑term impact of data that is being harvested and sold without our consent.”

In response, several state legislators—particularly from the Utah House of Representatives’ Health & Human Services Committee—expressed support for new regulations, citing evidence that social media algorithms prioritize engagement over factual accuracy. A local NPR segment that followed the governor’s address featured a brief interview with Dr. Elena Sanchez, a psychiatrist at the University of Utah who has studied social‑media addiction for over a decade. Dr. Sanchez explained that “the dopamine spikes produced by likes, shares, and comments can be as addictive as certain substances, making it imperative that we create public safeguards.”

Public Reaction: Mixed but Lively

The reaction to the governor’s remarks was varied. Many Utah residents praised the bold call to action, posting on Twitter (the very platform he criticized) with hashtags like #LogOffUT and #DigitalDetox. Others argued that the governor’s language was hyperbolic and that a “cancer” metaphor could trivialize real medical conditions. Social media experts from Utah’s Silicon Slopes community, however, noted that the governor’s message has “opened a dialogue about the need for digital literacy and healthy habits.”

In an interesting twist, the Utah Department of Transportation announced that it would pilot a “Digital Detox” campaign on its website to help commuters reduce screen time during travel. The department’s website also included a link to a Utah‑based nonprofit, the Digital Health Center, which offers workshops on mindful technology use.

The governor also promised a follow‑up public forum in which state regulators and social‑media representatives would discuss new policy proposals. A link to a scheduled event was provided in the official press release, with a note that attendance would be free and open to the public.

Further Information

• Governor’s Statement – The official release is available on the state’s website and includes a full transcript of the remarks.
• Digital Wellness Initiative – A detailed overview is posted by the Utah Department of Health, offering tools for schools and families.
• Mental‑Health Research – The University of Utah’s Center for Digital Health provides a research summary on the impacts of social‑media use on youth mental health.
• State Legislative Bills – The Utah State Legislature’s website offers a search tool for bills related to digital privacy and platform regulation.

Bottom Line

Governor Spencer Cox’s “cancer” metaphor for social media has sparked conversation across Utah—from school boards to tech startups—and could pave the way for statewide policies that prioritize mental health and digital responsibility. Whether the state’s push for a digital detox will prove effective remains to be seen, but it has undeniably forced Utah residents to confront the often invisible ways in which their screens influence their lives. Whether the public will heed the call to log off, or simply add another headline to the digital noise, is now a question at the heart of Utah’s ongoing dialogue about technology, health, and civic responsibility.