Technology
Why US surgeon general wants warning label on social media
Let’s face it, social media has become a mixed bag. Sure, it promised to connect us all in ways we never imagined, but let’s be real: The downsides are starting to overshadow the upsides.
It’s funny how your birth year can totally shape your view on this digital playground. Some of us might shrug off the issues, thinking, “No big deal,” while others are going to extremes, ditching their smartphones for old-school flip phones just to escape the social media circus. It’s like we’re all trying to figure out our own social media survival strategies.
And then there are the parents. Oh boy, are they in for a ride, especially if they’ve got teenagers. They’re busy crafting rules faster than you can say “TikTok,” hoping to keep their kids safe in this wild digital world. But here’s the kicker: It feels like they’re running a never-ending race. Just when they think they’ve got a handle on things, boom, another app or platform pops up, and they’re back to square one. It’s like trying to nail jelly to a wall – frustrating, messy and seemingly impossible.
Welcome to the social media age, folks, where the only constant is change.
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Mom and daughter looking at social media (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The dangers of social media
Social media platforms have become integral to our daily lives, but the impact they have had on mental health, productivity and even politics has gotten progressively worse over the years. Though awareness has been raised on this issue, which has helped people learn how to create boundaries for it, we’re still not able to stay ahead of what social media will do next.
Here are just some of the dangers of social media:
1) Exposure to scammers: Children and adolescents are vulnerable to online scams and fraudulent schemes.
2) Excessive screen time: Prolonged use of social media can lead to physical and mental health issues, including eye strain, poor posture and disrupted sleep patterns.
3) Dopamine-driven notifications: Frequent notifications can create addictive behavior patterns, leading to increased anxiety and reduced ability to focus.
4) Negative body image: Social media often promotes unrealistic body standards, contributing to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.
5) Cyberbullying: Many young users face harassment and bullying online, which can lead to severe psychological distress.
6) Exposure to inaccurate news: The spread of misinformation and fake news on social media can influence young minds and contribute to anxiety and confusion.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
What the US surgeon general wants to put into place
This isn’t the first time that issues concerning social media have reached the government. Most recently, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to introduce a warning label on social media apps to highlight the potential harm these platforms pose to young people.
Murthy’s push for this warning label aligns with longstanding concerns from youth advocates and lawmakers who have criticized social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat for their detrimental effects on children. These effects include contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, vulnerability to predators, and, in the worst cases, suicide.
In fact, according to the NIH, “…age-adjusted suicide rates have steadily increased over the past decade in the United States with suicide being the second most common cause of death in youth. Hence, the increase in suicide rate parallels the simultaneous increase in social media use. In addition, the rate of non-suicidal self-injury ranges between 14% and 21% among young people.”
In the meantime, according to the article, “New York state lawmakers this month passed legislation to bar social media platforms from exposing “addictive” algorithmic content to users under age 18 without parental consent.”
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMMERS
Teenager looking at social media (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
BALANCING THE PROS AND CONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA SCREEN TIME
What we can expect to happen if this goes through
If this warning does get approved through Congress, it would, of course, take some time before we actually see “warning labels,” and it’s unclear what that would actually look like. But if it did happen, here’s what could potentially happen:
Pros:
Increased awareness: Warning labels could make parents and adolescents more aware of the potential mental health risks associated with social media use.
Behavioral change: Similar to the impact of tobacco warning labels, these could encourage healthier social media habits and reduce usage among vulnerable groups.
Pressure on social media companies: Companies may be compelled to implement stricter safety measures and better content moderation practices to avoid legal and public relations issues.
Cons:
Resistance from tech companies: Powerful social media companies may lobby against the legislation, leading to protracted legal battles and potential delays in implementation.
Perceived insufficiency: Warning labels alone may be seen as a minimal effort, insufficient to address the deeper, systemic issues of social media’s impact on mental health.
Potential stigma: Warning labels could unintentionally stigmatize social media use, leading to fear or anxiety rather than informed, balanced usage.
An adult on social media (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How you can protect yourself in the meantime
Depending on what your own stance is on social media, the fact of the matter is that it does have the potential to harm too many vulnerable people, especially children and teenagers. And if you’re not in this demographic but still struggle with managing your social media usage, then there are some ways you can limit your time:
1) Set boundaries: This is not easy for everyone, but make it your goal to limit screen time and establish specific times of day for checking social media to prevent overuse. You can check how much time you’re on the screen by looking up the “screen-time” function on your device.
2) Manage notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications to reduce constant interruptions and the dopamine-driven urge to check your phone.
3) Don’t give away sensitive information online: Always be careful of what information and photos you put online. It’s never too difficult for someone to find.
4) Log out of social media on your phone: Not having the social media apps installed on your device and logging off of them on the browser (they make it easy to log back in with one click, so you’ll need to go the extra mile) can help you get off social media.
5) Don’t take things personally: Though social media can be a dangerous tool, and any harassment, stalking or other misconduct should be reported to the authorities, most negative people on social media are “trolls.” Ignore them, don’t engage with them, and report them to the platform, if need be.
6) Get a dumb phone: Many people are trading in their smartphones for a dumb phone, which helps them to get off of social media.
7) Install parental controls: Phones, laptops and other tablets come with parental controls that parents can use to limit their child’s social media activity. But it’s important to also talk about the dangers of social media with them, and if they are allowed on it, what the ground rules are. Get my top four child monitoring programs of 2024.
HOW TO TAME THE BARRAGE OF STEALTHY SOCIAL MEDIA NOTIFICATIONS AND REGAIN CONTROL
Kurt’s key takeaways
Social media is fine if used appropriately, responsibly and in moderation. But its potential to do harm is something that’s important to take seriously, especially if you’re a parent and/or someone who has already suffered from anxiety or depression. Essentially, if what it’s taking from you is more than what it’s giving to you, it may be time to reconsider your relationship with your social media platforms or at least put some restrictions on it.
Do you enforce social media restrictions on yourself and/or your children? If so, why? And what are your thoughts on putting a warning label on social media platforms? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Whether you’re considering starting a Sonos speaker setup, or adding to an existing group, the Sonos Era 100 is worth picking up. The compact, capable smart speaker is currently marked down to $189 ($30 off) at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Sonos. If you want an even lower price, Sonos is selling refurbished Era 100 speakers for just $134. They come with fresh accessories and packaging, and sport the same one-year warranty as its new speakers.
The wireless speaker has a rich, detailed sound profile, with room-filling audio despite its small size. You might be able to improve the sound further with the Sonos Trueplay feature, which uses either your phone or the speaker’s built-in microphone to automatically tune it to your space. The Era 100 can easily connect with other speakers in the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room play, even with different Sonos models.
The Era 100 has expanded functionality from previous entry-level Sonos speakers, adding in Bluetooth and USB-C wired audio, as well as improved onboard controls. While the speaker features built-in voice assistant support for both Sonos and Alexa, you can flip a switch on its back to cut power to the microphone.
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Carnival Corporation has confirmed a data breach affecting nearly 6 million people, and the fallout could reach travelers who may not think of themselves as Carnival customers.
The company says the incident involved a social engineering attack on a single user account. In other words, someone fooled an employee and gained access to part of Carnival’s IT system.
For cruise customers, the real concern starts after the breach. Stolen personal details can help scammers write messages that feel far more believable. Here is what may have been exposed, what Have I Been Pwned found in the leaked data and what you can do now to protect yourself.
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MAJOR CRUISE LINE HACK EXPOSES SENSITIVE DATA OF NEARLY 6 MILLION TRAVELERS
Carnival says exposed data may include names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, dates of birth and government-issued ID numbers. (iStock)
What information was exposed in the Carnival breach?
Carnival Corporation says the breach began with a social engineering attack on a single user account. An unauthorized actor gained access to a limited part of the company’s IT system. Carnival says it immediately blocked the activity, brought in third-party security experts and alerted law enforcement.
A Carnival Corporation spokesperson told CyberGuy,
“In April, we identified unauthorized access to a limited part of our IT system caused by a social engineering attack on a single user account. We immediately blocked the activity, engaged third-party security experts and alerted law enforcement. Our investigation found certain personal information was illegally accessed. We’re notifying affected individuals and deeply regret any concern this causes. Protecting the privacy and security of personal data is a priority for us and we’ve added new layers of security and monitoring on top of the comprehensive protections already in place. We’ll also continue advancing our defenses against evolving threats.”
State breach reporting shows 5,995,277 people were affected. Carnival says the impacted data varies by individual. However, the company says the information known to be involved includes names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and government-issued identification numbers, such as driver’s license numbers and passport numbers.
What Have I Been Pwned found in the leaked Carnival data
Have I Been Pwned also analyzed the data published by ShinyHunters and said it contained 8.7 million records with 7.5 million unique email addresses. That data appeared tied to Holland America’s Mariner Society loyalty program and included names, dates of birth, email addresses, genders, geographic locations, salutations and loyalty program details.
That means this breach could affect you even if you think of yourself as a Holland America customer, not a Carnival customer. Even without a credit card number, this type of data can create problems. Criminals can use it to build fake emails, texts and calls that sound like they came from a real cruise brand. For example, a scammer could mention loyalty points, an upcoming trip, a refund or a cabin upgrade. That one familiar detail may be enough to get you to click.
What ShinyHunters claimed about Carnival
Carnival has not publicly confirmed that ShinyHunters carried out the attack. However, the extortion gang claimed responsibility in April 2026 and said it stole millions of records and internal corporate data.
ShinyHunters has also been tied to broader data theft and extortion activity involving Salesforce customers. The group often pressures companies by threatening to leak or sell stolen information.
The FBI has warned victims not to pay ransom demands from the group. Paying does not guarantee stolen data will be deleted. It also does not stop criminals from trying to extort victims again.
For you, the concern is what happens next. Once your data leaks, scammers may try to use it in emails, texts or calls that sound more believable than the usual junk.
Why the Carnival breach could put you at risk
Travel scams work because they catch you when you are excited, rushed or distracted. Maybe you booked a cruise years ago. Maybe you joined a loyalty program and forgot about it. Maybe you sailed with Holland America, Princess Cruises or another Carnival-owned brand. That old account can still have value to criminals.
Carnival has also dealt with several cybersecurity incidents before. The company disclosed breaches in March 2020 and June 2021 after attackers accessed employee email accounts. Ransomware incidents in August 2020 and December 2020 also exposed personal information tied to Carnival customers and employees.
That history does not mean every Carnival customer will face fraud. But it does show why old travel accounts deserve attention. A loyalty account can reveal more than points. It can connect your name, email, birthday, travel history and brand preferences.
That gives scammers more ways to sound convincing. A fake email may claim your loyalty points are expiring. A text may say you qualify for a refund. A caller may say your account needs verification. Those tricks can lead to stolen passwords, malware, fake payment pages or identity theft attempts.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY AND SECURITY ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE VACATION
Carnival Corporation confirmed a data breach affecting nearly 6 million people after a social engineering attack on a single user account. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Ways to stay safe after the Carnival breach
If you receive a Carnival breach notice, read it closely so you know what information may have been involved. Some impacted data may include government-issued identification numbers, so take these steps to lock down your accounts, spot fake cruise messages and reduce the chances that scammers can use your personal details against you.
1) Review Carnival’s offer for credit monitoring
Carnival says it is offering eligible U.S. individuals two years of complimentary credit monitoring. If you receive a notice, use the contact details in that notice or Carnival’s official breach webpage. Do not trust random links in emails, texts or search ads claiming to help you enroll.
2) Change your cruise account passwords
Go directly to the official website or app. Do not click a link from an email or text. Use a strong, unique password for every travel account. A password manager can help you create and store better passwords. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
3) Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection. Even if someone steals your password, they still need a second approval. Use an authentication app when possible. Text codes help, but they can be weaker if a scammer tries a SIM swap attack.
4) Watch for fake cruise emails and texts
Be suspicious of messages about refunds, loyalty points, upgrades, cancellations or account verification. Scammers love urgent wording. They want you to click before you think. Instead, go straight to the company’s website or app. Check your account there.
5) Use a data removal service
A data removal service will not undo the Carnival breach. However, it can help remove your personal information from data broker and people-search sites. That can make it harder for scammers to combine leaked breach data with your home address, phone number, relatives’ names or other details found online. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
6) Use strong antivirus protection
Breaches often lead to phishing emails with dangerous links or attachments. Strong antivirus protection can help block malicious websites, scam pages and malware before they do damage. Also, keep your phone, tablet and computer updated. Security updates close holes that criminals try to exploit. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
7) Do not share personal details with callers
If someone calls and claims to represent a cruise line, do not give out your date of birth, payment details or login codes. Hang up and call the company using a number from its official website.
10 SIGNS YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING SOLD ONLINE
Travelers can reduce risk after the Carnival breach by changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication and monitoring credit reports. (Daniel de la Hoz/Getty Images)
8) Monitor your bank and credit card accounts
Check your statements for charges you do not recognize. Small test charges can show up before larger fraud attempts. Report suspicious activity right away. Many banks also let you lock a card from the app while you investigate.
9) Consider a credit freeze
A credit freeze can block criminals from opening new credit accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit for free with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can also lift the freeze when you need to apply for credit.
10) Review your credit reports
Check your credit reports for accounts, addresses or inquiries you do not recognize. You can get free weekly credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
11) Watch for misuse of your ID documents
Because Carnival says some impacted data may include driver’s license or passport numbers, be extra cautious with messages asking you to “verify” your identity. Do not upload a photo of your ID through a link in an email or text. Go directly to the official company, bank or government website instead.
12) Consider identity theft protection
Identity theft protection can help monitor your personal information, credit files and financial activity for warning signs of fraud. Some plans also include breach or dark web monitoring, which can alert you if your email address or other personal details appear in known leaks. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com
13) Save the breach notice
Keep a copy of any notice you receive from Carnival. It may explain what information was involved and what support the company offers. Be careful with fake settlement or claim websites. Scammers often create lookalike pages after major breaches.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Carnival data breach shows why travel accounts need the same care as banking, shopping and email accounts. A cruise may last a week, but the data you shared can stick around for years. Take a few minutes now to tighten your accounts. Change reused passwords, watch for cruise-themed scams and consider freezing your credit if you want stronger protection.
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Have travel companies earned enough trust to keep collecting so much personal data, or should loyalty programs start asking for far less? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Valve now says that the delayed Steam Machine PC and Steam Frame VR headset are set to launch sometime this summer. In a Thursday blog post detailing its Verified programs for both pieces of hardware, Valve concludes by saying that “We’re excited for players to try your titles on the new Steam hardware once they launch this summer.”
When the company originally announced the Machine and Frame alongside its new Steam Controller late last year, it said that it would start shipping the new gadgets in early 2026. But in February, the company announced that the ongoing memory and storage crunch had forced it to revisit its pricing and shipping plans. And in March, Valve said in a blog post that it would be “shipping all three products this year” — though that was after the company initially said in the post that “we hope to ship in 2026,” which it removed in an update.
Valve opted to release the Steam Controller on its own, putting it up for sale in early May. For the Machine and Frame, while “summer” isn’t exactly a specific date, it narrows the window for when the products might finally come out.
Ahead of actually launching the devices, Valve is redesigning the Steam store and sharing information about the Verified programs for the hardware so that developers can prepare their games. Like with the Steam Deck, if a game is verified for the Machine or the Frame, the badge signals that the game should work well without any tweaks from the user.
For the Machine, the requirements for a game to be verified are “nearly identical” to what they are for the Steam Deck. With the Machine being “roughly six times as powerful” as the Deck, in theory, many more games will be verified for it. Valve also says that it’s testing “every title on Machine that fell below our performance requirements on Deck.”
For the Frame, Valve’s verified badge will signify games that run well while being played natively on the headset — as opposed to games that work well streamed to the headset, which the Frame is also capable of. “Like Steam Deck Verified, the Steam Frame Standalone Verified program focuses on the experience customers will have with the device out-of-the-box in standalone mode,” Valve says.
Now, we just need Valve to share exactly when the Steam Machine and Steam Frame will be released and how much they might cost. After last week’s price hikes for the Steam Deck, I’m gearing up for sticker shock.
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