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Social media platforms are facing mounting scrutiny over claims that engagement-driven features can encourage compulsive use and contribute to psychological harm, particularly among children and teenagers.

Platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and TikTok rely heavily on features including endless scrolling, personalised recommendations and frequent notifications to keep users engaged. Critics argue that these systems can encourage prolonged use while exposing young people to potentially harmful content.

Lawsuits put pressure on tech giants

The business model is increasingly facing legal challenges, particularly in the United States. Earlier this month, 29 states, including California, Colorado and New Jersey, sued Meta, alleging that its platforms were designed to encourage addictive use among young people.

Meta has also agreed to a settlement reportedly worth up to $18 billion involving 47 states, the District of Columbia and US territories. The agreement includes measures such as usage limits and restrictions preventing teenagers from using its apps at night.

Governments struggle to keep pace

Regulators around the world have been tightening rules, but the rapid development of social media technology has made effective oversight difficult.

Several studies have associated teenage social media use with concerns including anxiety, depression and body dissatisfaction. Leaked Meta documents in 2021 also indicated that the company had identified links between Instagram use and mental health and body-image concerns among some teenage girls.

Calls grow for stronger child protection

The US is seeing increasing bipartisan support for the Kids Online Safety Act, which proposes stronger safety settings for minors and greater parental controls.

Other countries have already introduced restrictions on children’s access to social media, reflecting growing concern over online safety.

Some researchers have also explored alternative models, including subscription-based platforms that rely less on advertising. Research cited by DW found that more than half of adults and two-thirds of adolescents surveyed were willing to pay for a public-service version of a major social platform with stronger safeguards.

AI adds another layer to the debate

The scrutiny comes as major technology companies invest heavily in artificial intelligence. Experts warn that lessons from social media regulation could become increasingly important as AI systems gain greater influence over people’s behaviour and relationships.

The debate ultimately centres on whether platforms whose profits depend on user engagement can adequately protect users when commercial incentives and public wellbeing do not always align.