Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently called on parents to take a stand against social media companies, accusing them of exploiting children through manipulative algorithms. During an event at Spring Studios in Manhattan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressed their concerns about the rapid growth of unregulated artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that while technology can bring benefits, it also poses significant risks, especially for young users.
The couple referenced a study conducted by ParentsTogether, which revealed alarming findings. Researchers posing as children interacted with an AI chatbot and experienced harmful exchanges every five minutes. "This wasn’t content created by a third party. These were the companies’ own chatbots working to advance their own depraved internal policies," Prince Harry stated. Their comments were made as they were honored as Humanitarians of the Year by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds.
To support their mission, Harry and Meghan announced the collaboration of their foundation's Parents Network with ParentsTogether, aiming to create a united front for families advocating for online safety. This announcement was made during the annual gala for Project Healthy Minds, a nonprofit focused on connecting individuals with tailored mental health care. Since founding the Archewell Foundation in 2020, the couple has prioritized youth mental health, particularly in promoting safer digital environments.
Prince Harry has previously highlighted the urgent need to hold major social media companies accountable. He warned that young people are facing an "epidemic" of anxiety, depression, and social isolation, largely due to negative online experiences. Numerous studies indicate that inadequate protections exist to shield children from inappropriate content, including violence and pornography, as well as exposure to cyberbullying and sexual harassment.
The topic of mental health resonates personally with both Harry and Meghan. Markle has openly discussed her mental health challenges, attributing some of her struggles to the intense pressures of royal life and invasive tabloid scrutiny. Similarly, Prince Harry has faced extensive media attention, including targeted phone hacking and surveillance, which has influenced his advocacy work.
During a recent reception hosted by the men's health nonprofit Movember, Prince Harry continued to raise awareness about mental health issues. In a conversation with television journalist Brooke Baldwin, he emphasized that men should not feel isolated in their struggles. "The biggest barrier is the belief that no one will understand," he remarked, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in overcoming loneliness.
According to Phil Schermer, CEO of Project Healthy Minds, public figures like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle play a crucial role in mental health conversations. They inspire their vast audiences to seek help, but Schermer also noted that the "moment of inspiration is fleeting." He stressed the importance of celebrities partnering with trusted organizations to provide tangible support and care.
During the gala, NBC personality Carson Daly shared his own experiences with anxiety, illustrating the growing openness around mental health topics. Daly, a board member of Project Healthy Minds, mentioned that mental health has become a common topic of discussion with fans. "I want to put all my eggs in this basket because I see the power even when I tell my story," he said, emphasizing that sharing personal narratives helps destigmatize mental health issues.
The funds raised at the gala will contribute to the development of new filters that help individuals navigate their mental health care options based on insurance providers and preferences for in-person or telehealth services. Schermer likened these features to travel planning sites like Expedia, where users can customize their choices. He highlighted the importance of having recognizable hosts like Daly to make discussing emotions more socially acceptable.
Thursday's event also honored Kalen Jackson, co-owner and chief brand officer of the Indianapolis Colts, who has been vocal about her own battles with anxiety. Jackson has played a vital role in promoting mental health initiatives within the NFL, continuing the legacy of her late father, former owner Jim Irsay.
Through their advocacy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not only raising awareness about the dangers of social media and the importance of mental health but are also fostering a community of support for those affected by these issues.
