Researchers say social media companies can make platforms less addictive for teens by changing design elements that encourage compulsive use. Specific changes include:
– Limiting notifications, especially at bedtime and during school
– Restricting infinite scroll, personalized feeds, and notification settings for minors
– Setting default privacy settings to protect kids’ data from being shared with other companies
– Implementing age verification systems that actually work
– Adding “friction” to the platform to make users more mindful of their use
Companies like Google and Meta have faced court verdicts over claims that their platforms were designed to be addictive. Scientists agree that specific design elements can encourage compulsive use in teens, who are particularly vulnerable due to their developing brains.
Experts recommend parental controls and stricter regulations to ensure kids’ safety online. As one researcher notes, the current system relies on parents to limit their children’s exposure to social media, which is often not enough. With more regulation and design changes, social media companies can create safer platforms for teens.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/03/27/nx-s1-5763017/social-media-teens-addictive-design