A recent three-paper series published in The Lancet, authored by 13 international researchers, calls for a fundamental shift in how society addresses digital media's impact on well-being, particularly among young people. The research challenges the common narrative that screen time issues stem from personal lack of self-control or parental failure, arguing instead that tech companies deliberately design platforms to be addictive through features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and personalized recommendation feeds. The study analyzed 121 published reviews involving nine million people under 25, finding associations between addictive digital media use patterns and harms including sleep disruption during critical neurobiological development phases, decreased physical activity, and increased anxiety and depression. The authors emphasize that current approaches, such as age restrictions, are insufficient and advocate for comprehensive regulatory measures including safety standards for platform design, control over data collection and usage, mandatory pre-launch risk assessments, and independent oversight. They highlight Canada's proposed Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) as a promising step, noting its focus on requiring platforms to demonstrate safety before allowing youth access. The research also points to regulatory models in the UK and EU, where bodies like Ofcom mandate transparency reports on issues such as child sexual abuse material and underage accounts. The Lancet authors stress that digital media can enhance young people's lives through social connection, information access, and telemedicine, but argue that the current business models prioritize profit over well-being. They call for 'safety by design' principles across all digital platforms, similar to safety standards for food, automobiles, and other consumer products. The research underscores that tech companies' resistance to regulation mirrors tactics used by the tobacco industry, and that voluntary changes are unlikely without regulatory pressure. The authors conclude that systemic change is necessary to create a healthier digital environment that benefits all users, rather than simply banning youth from platforms or placing blame on individuals.

Brussels says infinite scroll, autoplay and personalised feeds push users toward compulsive use. Meta can contest the finding before regulators rule on a fine.

Brussels says infinite scroll, autoplay and personalised feeds push users toward compulsive use. Meta can contest the finding before regulators rule on a fine.

European Commission opens formal DSA proceedings against Shein over illegal products, addictive design, and recommender opacity, affecting 145 million EU shoppers.

Brussels says infinite scroll, autoplay and personalised feeds push users toward compulsive use. Meta can contest the finding before regulators rule on a fine.

Brussels says infinite scroll, autoplay and personalised feeds push users toward compulsive use. Meta can contest the finding before regulators rule on a fine.

European Commission opens formal DSA proceedings against Shein over illegal products, addictive design, and recommender opacity, affecting 145 million EU shoppers.

Today, the European Commission preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act for its addictive design.

Viele Social Media-Apps sind so aufgebaut, dass man kaum die Finger davon lassen kann. In der Forschung spricht man in diesem Zusammenhang von „addictive design“ und ist dem Suchtpotenzial von Sozialen Netzwerken längst auf der Spur.

Adam Raine was using ChatGPT for hours a day when he took his own life in April. The AI preyed on his vulnerabilities, isolated him from his friends, and gave him detailed instructions on how to hurt ...

Preliminary EU ruling says app shifts brains of users into ‘autopilot mode’, with concerns for children and vulnerable adults

The #EU plans to target #addictivedesign features on #TikTok and #Instagram, including #endlessscrolling and #autoplay, to protect #children from #socialmedia harms. The EU Commission is also investigating platforms that allow children to access harmful content and has developed an age verification app with high privacy standards. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/12/tiktok-instagram-social-media-addictive-eu-crack-down.html?eicker.news #tech #media #news

In Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial, Meta, YouTube Found Liable.

ALIA