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Utah Governor Spencer Cox delivered a stark warning against social media on Friday, labeling it a “cancer on our society.” His impassioned remarks followed the announcement of an arrest in the high-profile killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, intensifying the conversation around the profound societal impact of digital platforms.
During a press conference where 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was identified as the suspected gunman, Governor Cox urged the public to disengage from digital platforms. He specifically highlighted the detrimental effects of pervasive violent imagery frequently encountered online, a growing concern for mental health and digital well-being.
“We are not wired as human beings — biologically, historically — we have not evolved in a way that we are capable of processing those types of violent imagery,” Cox stated. He cited recent viral incidents, including the brutal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in North Carolina earlier this month, as poignant examples of content he deemed harmful for consumption.
Reiterating his strong stance, Cox declared, “Social media is a cancer on our society right now.” He then offered a direct prescription for digital well-being and a digital detox: “I would encourage people to log off, turn off, touch grass, hug a family member, go out and do good in your community.” This advice promotes a return to real-world interactions and healthier habits away from the screen.
Interestingly, Governor Cox noted that his sentiments echoed previous statements made by the late Charlie Kirk. In June, Kirk himself shared on X (formerly Twitter), advocating for grounding oneself amidst digital chaos: “When things are moving very fast and people are losing their minds, it’s important to stay grounded. Turn off your phone, read scripture, spend time with friends, and remember internet fury is not real life. It’s going to be ok.”
The governor concluded by presenting society with a pivotal choice: to “escalate” the negative effects of digital overconsumption or collectively “find an off-ramp” towards a more grounded and healthier existence. His call serves as a critical reflection on the dangers of social media and its pervasive influence.