Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, has announced significant changes aimed at restricting sensitive content for teenagers using its services. The move comes in response to growing concerns about the addictive nature of social media and its potential impact on the mental health of young users. Meta plans to implement these changes in the coming weeks, emphasizing the goal of providing more age-appropriate experiences for teens on its platforms.
One of the key adjustments involves setting default privacy settings for users under 18 to the most restrictive options. This means that certain types of content, even if shared by someone the teen follows, will be hidden on both Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, specific search terms related to sensitive topics such as suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders will be restricted. Teens searching for these terms will be directed to expert resources for help, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Meta’s decision to tighten privacy settings for teenagers aligns with the company’s acknowledgment of the potential harms associated with unregulated exposure to sensitive content. The move also comes amid increased scrutiny from regulators, as Meta faces a federal lawsuit related to its impact on young users. In October, over 40 U.S. states filed a lawsuit alleging that Meta intentionally designed features on Instagram and Facebook to maximize the time teens and children spent on the platforms, contributing to a youth mental health crisis.
The lawsuit, following a two-year multistate investigation, cited various studies, including Meta’s own research, linking the use of Instagram and Facebook by young people to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The legal action contended that the platforms’ algorithms triggered the release of dopamine, the pleasure chemical, encouraging continued scrolling similar to a gambler at a slot machine.
Meta’s response to the lawsuit emphasized its commitment to providing teens with safe and positive online experiences. The company expressed disappointment in the legal action, stating that it preferred working collaboratively with industry partners to establish clear, age-appropriate standards for various apps used by teenagers.
As part of the updated policy, Meta plans to automatically configure all teen accounts to the most stringent privacy settings. While these settings can be adjusted by users, Meta aims to guide teens toward a safer online experience by default. Teens will also be prompted to update their privacy settings, and the company will limit the ability of others to repost their content, tag or mention them, or include their content in features like Reels and remixes.
In its blog post, Meta highlighted ongoing efforts to consult with experts in adolescent development, psychology, and mental health to enhance platform safety. The company emphasized its decade-long commitment to developing policies and technology to address content that violates rules or may be considered sensitive.
Psychologist Rachel Rodgers from Northeastern University praised Meta’s measures as an important step toward creating social media platforms where teens can connect and express themselves in age-appropriate ways. Rodgers emphasized that these changes provide an opportunity for parents to engage in conversations with their teens about navigating difficult topics online.
In summary, Meta’s decision to restrict sensitive content and enhance privacy settings for teenagers reflects a response to regulatory pressure and concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health. The company aims to strike a balance between providing a platform for creative expression and ensuring the well-being of its teenage users.