Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 17, 2026 Sen. DiDomenico and colleagues crack down on big social media companies O legislation prioritizes children’s health over corporations’ addictive algorithms Special to The Advocate 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! n July 9, 2026, Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate stood up to big social media companies by passing (382) legislation that reins in how their platforms’ most addictive features target young people. The bill cracks down on settings that are engineered to keep minors perpetually on social media platforms at the expense of the health and well-being of users. The legislation, S.3164, An Act protecting children from addictive social media feeds, includes added optional safeguards for children, such as limits on the ability of “non-friend” accounts — strangers — to contact minors’ accounts. Under S.3164, features such as autoplay, “infinite scroll” and intrusive algorithms that capitalize on users’ personal data would be turned off by default for minors. Minors would not be able to change those default settings, while adult users would retain control over their own settings. Studies have linked prolonged daily social media use to increased depression and anxiety in children. “As a parent and uncle, I know that kids in my life and across our state are actively harmed by the most extractive algorithmic features on social media, and we would be turning a blind eye if we just let this continue to happen,” said Senator DiDomenico. “We can empower children to use social media for its best features, such as fostering connection with friends, while reining in all the ways in which it damages their mental health. This essential legislation would increase online safety and remove the most addictive features of social media for kids and teens all over the Commonwealth. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law so we can hold big social media companies accountable and protect the mental health of our youngest generation.” Senators voted to adopt Amendment 24, which adds mandatory protection for minors’ precise location data. As amended, the bill now requires that social media platforms cannot allow minor children to share their precise locations with others. S.T.E.A.M. City Informational Meeting July 25 We’re looking for volunteers — join us! A www.810bargrille.com Aluminum Aluminum Everett Supplies 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding Decks • • •Carpentry Work •Decks • Replacement Windows Carpentry Work • • • Fully Insured Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Free Estimates Fully Licensed • Roong •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roong Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! S.T.E.A.M. City Informational Meeting will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. at the Parlin Library Meeting Room at 410 Broadway in Everett. We invite everyone to stop by to learn about S.T.E.A.M. City. We are recruiting volunteers for all levels of engagement in our new nonprofit. Our mission is to help make science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) education accessible to all learners through community programming that engages all ages. Stop by and learn about our mission, meet some of our team, try an activity and check out a science project display. Learn more about S.T.E.A.M. City Corp. at www.steam-city. org or email Hello@steam-city. org. Summer is Here!
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