The European Commission has raised concerns about Meta’s handling of mental health risks linked to the design of its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. According to the Commission, elements such as autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, and features like reels and stories are designed in a way that may foster excessive and compulsive use, particularly among younger audiences.
This scrutiny is part of a broader investigation under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that online platforms mitigate risks associated with user safety and harmful online behaviors. The Commission has pointed out that Meta’s platforms may not be doing enough to curb the negative impacts on children and teenagers, including issues related to late-night usage.
EU regulators are pushing for modifications to Facebook and Instagram’s design. Their recommendations include setting autoplay and infinite scrolling to off by default, implementing reminders for users to take breaks, and altering recommendation algorithms to discourage compulsive engagement. These measures aim to address the risks of prolonged and unhealthy usage patterns.
In response, Meta has disputed the Commission’s preliminary findings. The company highlighted its existing efforts to protect younger users through initiatives like Teen Accounts, parental controls, screen-time limits, and restrictions on nighttime access. Meta contends that these measures are part of their commitment to user safety.
Should the European Commission’s investigation uphold these initial findings, Meta could potentially face significant financial repercussions—up to 6% of its global annual revenue—as a penalty for breaching the Digital Services Act. This ongoing case underscores the increasing regulatory focus on major digital platforms and their responsibilities towards user welfare.