The European Commission has raised concerns about Meta’s handling of mental health risks tied to Facebook and Instagram’s design. It claims that core features of these platforms, such as autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, reels, and stories, may foster excessive and compulsive usage.
Regulators argue that these features can lead to unhealthy user habits by prolonging engagement time, particularly impacting children and teenagers with late-night platform use. This forms part of a broader investigation under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates online platforms to mitigate risks associated with user safety and harmful online practices.
As part of addressing these concerns, EU officials are pushing for modifications in Facebook and Instagram’s design. Proposed changes include restricting autoplay and infinite scrolling by default, implementing screen break reminders, and adjusting recommendation algorithms to curb compulsive engagement.
Meta, however, has countered these preliminary findings by citing its measures to protect younger users. The company points to the introduction of Teen Accounts, parental controls, screen-time limits, and nighttime access restrictions as steps it has taken to enhance user safety.
Should the European Commission uphold its initial findings following the investigation, Meta may face significant penalties. Violations of the Digital Services Act could result in fines amounting to 6% of Meta’s global annual revenue.