'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: 2026-09-17T15:36:30.098Z • Permanent link

Hannah Storey, Head of Children and Young People's Digital Rights at Amnesty International, is calling for social media companies to redesign their algorithms to mitigate the harm caused by their platforms. Storey's plea comes after years of research and advocacy, highlighting the devastating impact of addictive behavior on young people's mental health. In a recent interview, Storey cited a study published by the Royal Society for Public Health, which found that Instagram, in particular, is fueling the addiction crisis among teenagers. The study revealed that 60% of 14- to 24-year-olds reported feeling anxious or lonely after using Instagram, with 45% of users experiencing sleep deprivation and 31% experiencing decreased self-esteem.

The problem is not limited to Instagram, however. Other social media platforms, such as Facebook and TikTok, have also been accused of perpetuating addictive behavior. Facebook's algorithm, for example, has been criticized for prioritizing sensational content over fact-based information, leading to a proliferation of misinformation and echo chambers. TikTok's algorithm, meanwhile, has been accused of using psychological manipulation to keep users engaged for longer periods. The consequences of these actions are dire, with young people increasingly turning to digital spaces as a substitute for human connection and meaningful relationships.

Storey's call to action is not just a moral imperative but also a commercial one. Social media companies are facing increasing pressure from regulators and consumers alike to address their addiction-fueled platforms. In the United States, for example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a probe into Facebook's handling of user data, while in the European Union, the European Commission is considering new regulations to address the issue of addictive behavior. As the stakes grow higher, social media companies are beginning to take notice, with some announcing plans to redesign their algorithms and prioritize user well-being.

The impact of addictive behavior on social media platforms is not just a concern for young people; it has far-reaching implications for the entire data sources domain. Research communities and companies that rely on social media data for insights and decision-making are increasingly being forced to confront the limitations of their platforms. For example, a study by the Pew Research Center found that 77% of adults in the United States use social media to stay informed about current events, but 60% of users report feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information they receive. As a result, companies are beginning to turn to alternative data sources, such as online forums and social media analytics platforms, to gain a more nuanced understanding of their users.

The consequences of this shift are already being felt. For example, a report by the data analytics firm, Morning Consult, found that companies that prioritize user well-being are more likely to achieve long-term success. The report cited several examples of companies that have successfully redesigned their algorithms to prioritize user engagement, including Spotify and Netflix. As the data sources domain continues to evolve, it is clear that companies that prioritize user well-being will be the ones to thrive.

The issue of addictive behavior on social media platforms is not new, but it is one that is gaining increasing attention in recent years. In 2019, the European Union launched a public consultation on the impact of social media on mental health, which revealed that 75% of respondents reported feeling anxious or lonely after using social media. The consultation also highlighted the need for social media companies to prioritize user well-being, with 80% of respondents calling for more transparency and accountability from these companies.