Introduction
The European Commission has warned Meta that its popular apps Instagram and Facebook may be breaking EU rules by using features that keep users glued to the screen for too long. The concern is especially strong for teenagers and other vulnerable users.
What “addictive design” means
Addictive design refers to platform features that are built to capture and hold attention as long as possible. Examples include:
- Infinite scroll – new content loads automatically as you swipe down.
- Autoplay videos – Reels and Stories start playing without a tap.
- Push notifications – alerts that prompt you to open the app again.
- Personalised recommendation algorithms – show you more of what you already like, encouraging longer sessions.
These tools aim to boost the time users spend on the app, which in turn raises the amount of advertising Meta can sell.
EU investigation – what the Commission found
After a two‑year probe, the European Commission preliminarily concluded that Meta has not properly assessed how these features affect the physical and mental health of:
- Minors (users under 18)
- Vulnerable adults (people who may be more susceptible to compulsive use)
The Commission says Meta ignored available data about nighttime use by teens and about how Reels and Stories could lead to compulsive screen habits.
Why this matters for teens
Teen brains are still developing, especially the prefrontal cortex, which helps with self‑control. Excessive screen time linked to addictive design can:
- Disrupt sleep patterns
- Increase feelings of anxiety or depression
- Reduce time for physical activity, homework, and face‑to‑social interaction
The Commission stresses that protecting the mental and physical well‑being of young Europeans must be a priority for any social‑media platform.
Required design changes
To comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), Meta would need to make the following adjustments by default:
- Disable infinite scroll – users must choose to keep loading more content.
- Turn off autoplay for Reels and Stories – playback starts only after a tap.
- Limit push notifications – especially during nighttime hours.
- Introduce mandatory breaks – prompts that encourage users to step away after a set period of use.
- Improve parental‑control tools – make them easier to find and more effective at limiting usage time.
The Commission says the current tools Meta offers (usage notifications, basic parental controls, mental‑health tips) have not been enough to counter the risks posed by addictive design.
Possible fines
If the preliminary decision is upheld, Meta could face a fine of up to 6 % of its global annual turnover. With Meta reporting a net profit of about 60.5 billion USD in 2025, the maximum penalty could exceed 3.6 billion USD. Meta has the right to appeal the decision before it becomes final.
Conclusion
The EU’s action highlights a growing concern: social‑media platforms must balance profit motives with the health of their users, especially young people. By redesigning features that encourage endless scrolling and constant notifications, companies like Meta can help reduce compulsive use and promote healthier digital habits. Whether Meta will make these changes voluntarily or be forced to do so through fines remains to be seen, but the message is clear – protecting teens’ well‑being cannot be an afterthought.
Source: Source
Images Credit: www.diariodemallorca.es