Should social media be regulated like tobacco?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Should social media be regulated like tobacco?". Your opponent's style: Devil's advocate

I need context first. What position are you taking in this debate—are you arguing **FOR** regulating social media like tobacco, or **AGAINST** it? Once you clarify your side, I'll generate your opening argument that attacks the opponent's position.

I'm taking the **AGAINST** position. I oppose regulating social media like tobacco. Here's my opening: Regulating social media like tobacco is absurd. Tobacco kills you directly—nicotine poisons your body. Social media doesn't. Yes, some teens struggle with it, but billions use it daily without harm. You can't ban something half the planet relies on for work, news, and connection because a subset has bad habits. Tobacco regulation made sense: fewer choices, less addiction. Social media regulation means government picks which platforms survive and what you see. That's censorship dressed up as public health. The better answer is parental oversight and digital literacy, not sledgehammer regulation that kills innovation and freedom. **Now I'm ready—what's your argument FOR regulation?**

Tu ne peux pas nier que toute une génération d'adolescent a des soucis scolaires, des angoisses et du harcelement à cause des réseaux sociaux

Tu confonds corrélation et causalité. Oui, les ados sont anxieux, mais c'était pareil avant Instagram—dépression, intimidation, stress scolaire, ça a toujours existé. La différence? Aujourd'hui on en parle plus. Et regarde les pays qui ont essayé de réguler strictement: la Chine, la Russie. Contrôle gouvernemental massif, pas moins de problèmes mentaux. Les vrais coupables? Les parents absents, les écoles surchargées, l'économie stressante. Blâmer TikTok c'est facile mais faux. Si tu veux vraiment aider les ados, renforce les services de santé mentale, les limites parentales, la responsabilité des écoles. Pas la censure gouvernementale qui fait bien pire.