Documentary links social media to teen drug overdose deaths

A new documentary titled "Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media" will premiere on April 4 on Jolt. It is directed by Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, based on investigative reporting by Olivia Carville from Bloomberg News. The film addresses the serious issue of how social media platforms allow drug dealers to reach young people. It highlights a growing epidemic of drug overdose deaths connected to fake pills sold online. Peltz calls this a "public health crisis" tied to a mental health emergency exacerbated by social media. The documentary includes stories from parents who lost children to drug overdoses after they consumed pills bought through platforms like Snapchat. One father, Jaime Puerta, shares his painful experience and accuses Snapchat of playing a role in his son's fentanyl poisoning. The directors argue that social media algorithms encourage teenagers to engage with harmful content, making it easier for drug dealers to operate. They suggest that social media companies prioritize profit over the safety of young users. O’Neill claims the platforms could do much more to protect children and should face greater regulation. "Can’t Look Away" also shows a rise in political and legal efforts to hold tech companies accountable for their impact on youth. Although the film notes increased lobbying by tech firms, O’Neill believes there's growing bipartisan support in Washington to protect young people from social media's dangers. The documentary seeks to spark public discussion and action for better regulation of social media. The creators believe that as young people become aware of these issues, they will push for meaningful change. The film is Bloomberg's second original feature documentary.