Research points to how companies could make social media less addictive for teens

"A California jury concluded that Google and Meta's social media platforms were deliberately built to be addictive, contributing to mental health issues in users. This verdict emphasizes the responsibility of tech companies in ensuring the safety of their platforms for children."

"Researchers have identified that certain design elements of social media encourage compulsive use, which is particularly challenging for developing brains to resist. This has led to calls for changes in platform design to enhance safety for young users."

"In a study, 16% of 11- and 12-year-olds reported feelings of stress or upset when unable to use social media, indicating behaviors that mirror addiction symptoms. This raises significant concerns about the impact of social media on adolescent mental health."

Recent court verdicts in California and New Mexico hold Google and Meta accountable for the mental health risks posed by their social media platforms. The California jury found that these platforms, including Instagram and YouTube, were designed to be addictive, contributing to depression and anxiety in users. Research supports these findings, indicating that specific design elements encourage compulsive use among teens. Studies show that behaviors resembling addiction symptoms are prevalent among young users, raising concerns about the impact of social media on their mental health.

Read at www.npr.org