Teen users of popular social media platforms Instagram and Facebook will soon experience changes. Meta, the parent company, has agreed to implement modifications for young users and pay up to $18 billion US over the next decade to address concerns of online harms to youth raised by various U.S. states and territories. The settlement has been described by a group of U.S. attorneys general as the most significant state consumer protection agreement since the Big Tobacco settlements in the 1990s.
According to Canadian tech analyst Carmi Levy, this development signals a pivotal moment for the social media industry, likening it to the tobacco industry’s turning point. Levy predicts a shift in the operations of Meta and similar firms moving forward.
Key Changes for Teen Users
New measures are set to be introduced for Instagram and Facebook accounts held by individuals under 18. These include:
- Time limits and interruptions: Users will have a default daily time limit of two hours across both platforms, with prompts and breaks after 15, 60, and 90 minutes of continuous usage to deter excessive scrolling.
- Restricted usage periods: Users will face restrictions on platform access between midnight and 6 a.m., and notifications will be muted during school hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding safety alerts.
- Enhanced feed control: Users will have the option to select a non-algorithmic feed by default, with reminders about this feature and the ability to disable autoplaying content.
- Limitations on social comparison features: Changes include hiding “like” counts/reactions and preventing the use of “extreme makeup” filters.
- Stricter age verification and content restrictions based on age.
Meta has committed to maintaining its existing efforts to block unfamiliar individuals from contacting teen accounts, enhance reporting tools, and provide more robust parental controls. The company also plans to strengthen certain measures further, such as reducing the daily time limit to one hour if other social platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube implement similar changes.
Impact on Canadian Teens
While the settlement primarily affects the U.S. market, Canadian tech analyst Carmi Levy anticipates that these changes could eventually extend globally due to widespread concerns about the adverse effects of social media on youth. Levy believes that Meta’s adjustments may eventually reach Canada as the company aims to maintain consistent features across its global operations.
Enhanced Safety Measures?
Jenny Perez, founder of the advocacy group Unplugged Canada and a mother of a middle-schooler, views the settlement as a positive step but emphasizes that additional safety issues concerning social media platforms need addressing. Richard Lachman, a digital media expert, acknowledges the benefits of curbing addictive behaviors like endless scrolling but calls for independent verification of the platforms’ safety features rather than relying solely on the company’s claims.
Despite the settlement’s impact on teen social media usage, Luke Stark, an information and media studies professor, believes that the changes, while beneficial, are limited and highlights the broader influence of addictive platform designs on users of all ages.
Regulatory Implications in Canada
Although Meta still faces numerous legal challenges in the U.S., Toronto tech analyst Ritesh Kotak suggests that the recent settlement could set the tone for resolving similar disputes and regulatory issues globally. Legal expert David Fewer believes that Meta’s actions could align with proposed online safety legislation in Canada, emphasizing the need for further regulatory efforts to address addictive design practices in digital platforms.
Looking ahead, Richard Lachman speculates that Meta’s resolution of social media controversies could pave the way for the company to concentrate on its artificial intelligence initiatives, indicating a strategic shift in its business focus.
