'We must 'force' social media to redesign harmful algorithms, platforms that fuel addictive behavior

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-17T16:02:25.627Z • Permanent link

Renowned tech activist Hannah Storey, Head of Children and Young People's Digital Rights at Amnesty International, has called for social media platforms to redesign their algorithms to combat the harm caused by their addictive nature. Storey's plea comes as concerns over the impact of social media on young people's mental health and wellbeing continue to grow. In a recent interview, Storey stated that social media platforms are "forcing" users to engage in addictive behavior, which can lead to serious consequences such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Specifically, Storey cited Instagram's use of infinite scrolling and Facebook's "News Feed" algorithm as prime examples of how these platforms can manipulate users into spending hours on end scrolling through their feeds.

Meanwhile, the issue has also sparked heated debate among researchers and experts. Dr. Jean Twenge, a prominent psychologist who has studied the impact of social media on young people, has written extensively on the topic. Twenge's research has shown that excessive social media use is linked to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased attention span, increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, and decreased face-to-face social skills. Furthermore, Twenge has pointed out that social media platforms have become increasingly adept at using manipulative tactics to keep users engaged, including the use of infinite scrolling and personalized algorithms that prioritize sensational content over more neutral material.

The issue is not limited to individual social media platforms, however. Global tech giants such as Google and Microsoft have also been accused of perpetuating addictive behaviors through their products. For example, Google's YouTube platform has been criticized for its use of infinite scrolling and personalized recommendations, which can lead to users spending hours watching videos without realizing it. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Bing search engine has been accused of prioritizing sensational content over more neutral material in its search results, which can lead to users becoming increasingly dependent on the platform for information.

The impact of addictive social media behavior on the Global News & Media domain cannot be overstated. Research communities and markets are already beginning to take notice, with many experts calling for greater regulation of social media platforms to mitigate the harm caused by their addictive nature. In particular, the issue has sparked debate among policymakers, who are beginning to take a closer look at the role that social media plays in shaping public discourse and opinion. For example, the European Union has launched a number of initiatives aimed at regulating social media platforms and promoting greater transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, companies such as Facebook and Instagram have been accused of failing to do enough to address the issue, with many critics calling for greater transparency and accountability in their business practices.

The issue also has significant implications for the media industry as a whole. Research has shown that excessive social media use can lead to a decline in attention span and a decrease in engagement with traditional media sources. This has significant implications for media companies, which rely on advertising revenue to stay afloat. As such, many media companies are beginning to take steps to address the issue, including the use of social media analytics tools to track user engagement and develop more targeted advertising campaigns.

The issue of addictive social media behavior is part of a larger pattern of concerns over the impact of technology on society. In recent years, there has been growing debate over the role that technology plays in shaping our lives, with many experts calling for greater regulation and oversight of the tech industry. For example, the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which involved the misuse of Facebook data by a UK-based consulting firm, highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry. Meanwhile, the rise of digital activism and online movements has also highlighted the need for greater regulation of social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and propaganda.