Twenty years after the advent of Facebook, the United States is witnessing a mental health crisis among teens and pre-teens. With the rise of social media apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, many are questioning the addictive nature of these platforms and the impact they are having on the mental well-being of young users.
In a video titled “Are social media apps addictive by design? | The Listening Post”, the team at The Listening Post delves into the issue of social media addiction and its consequences. The video explores how these apps are designed to keep users engaged for extended periods of time, often leading to excessive use and negative effects on mental health.
The video raises important questions about the ethical considerations of social media companies and their responsibility to protect users, especially young people, from the potential harms of addiction. With features like notifications, likes, and endless scrolling feeds, social media apps are engineered to grab and hold onto users’ attention, contributing to a cycle of dependence and negative self-image.
As the mental health crisis among teens and pre-teens continues to grow, it is crucial for society to have a conversation about the role of social media in exacerbating these issues. The Listening Post’s video sheds light on the dark side of social media addiction and calls for greater regulation and accountability from tech companies to prioritize the well-being of their users.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Are social media apps addictive by design? | The Listening Post” was uploaded on 10/30/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English