The European Commission has raised concerns over Meta’s handling of mental health risks linked to its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The commission claims that certain features inherent in these platforms, such as autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, reels, and stories, may encourage addictive behavior by keeping users glued to their screens for prolonged periods.
EU regulators highlight that the design elements in question could be particularly harmful to children and teenagers, potentially fostering unhealthy usage patterns including late-night engagement. These concerns are part of a broader investigation under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates online platforms to proactively mitigate risks related to user safety and harmful online activities.
The European Commission is advocating for specific changes to Facebook and Instagram’s design to curb compulsive use. Recommendations include turning off autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, introducing reminders for screen breaks, and modifying recommendation algorithms to reduce excessive engagement.
Meta has countered the commission’s preliminary findings, pointing to its existing efforts such as the introduction of Teen Accounts, parental controls, screen-time limits, and restrictions on nighttime access aimed at safeguarding younger users. The company insists these measures demonstrate its commitment to addressing the mental health implications of social media use.
Should the European Commission uphold its findings after the investigation, Meta could face significant financial repercussions. Penalties for non-compliance with the Digital Services Act could reach as much as 6% of the company’s global annual revenue.