The Impact of Algorithmic Social Media on Youth Mental Health

The introduction of the Facebook ‘Like’ feature on 9 February 2009 marked a significant shift in how social media platforms operate. This feature transitioned content delivery from a chronological timeline to an algorithm-driven model prioritizing posts based on popularity. This change led to the emergence of terms like ‘viral’ and ‘influencer’ and transformed social networks into engagement-focused platforms. Following Facebook, other platforms such as Instagram and Twitter adopted similar algorithms, with TikTok's ‘For You’ feed being recognized as the most aggressively optimized for user engagement.

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The consequences of these algorithmic systems have raised serious concerns, particularly regarding mental health. A 2016 incident in Myanmar highlighted the dangers of algorithmic amplification, where military-linked accounts spread hate speech against the Rohingya minority, leading to accusations of ethnic cleansing. More recently, a report by Amnesty International revealed that TikTok's algorithm can expose children to harmful content within minutes of joining the platform. For instance, a case study involving a girl named Maelle showed that her feed quickly filled with videos normalizing self-harm and suicide, starting from seemingly innocuous content.

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The report documented several tragic outcomes, including the suicide of Marie Le Tiec, who fell into a mental health crisis exacerbated by algorithm-driven content. Her parents expressed concern that social media platforms treat children as products rather than individuals. These incidents have prompted families to pursue class action lawsuits against social media companies, seeking accountability for the detrimental effects on youth mental health. In response to these growing concerns, Australia has implemented a total ban on social media for individuals under 16, with other countries like the UK and France considering similar measures.

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In light of these issues, TikTok has stated that it offers over 50 features aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of teenagers. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has expressed a commitment to protecting young users but argues that a blanket ban on social media is counterproductive. Instead, Meta promotes its ‘Teen Accounts’ with parental supervision, although regulators remain skeptical of these measures. Advocacy groups, such as the Center for Humane Technology, are calling for a broader ban on engagement-based algorithms, arguing that these exploitative business models pose risks to users of all ages.

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The ongoing debate highlights a critical need for regulatory intervention to address the challenges posed by algorithmic social media. PewDiePie, a prominent YouTuber, has voiced concerns about the impact of these algorithms on attention spans and personal agency, urging users to take control of their digital experiences. As social media platforms continue to evolve, the responsibility to prioritize genuine human connection over algorithmic engagement increasingly falls on regulators and users alike.

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• “For these platforms, our children become products instead of human beings,” — Parents of Marie Le Tiec

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• “The key is intent. If you go around your life not making your own choices, then who the heck are you?” — PewDiePie, YouTuber

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• “It was always the thing that people said that they didn’t want, but demonstrated that they did by every conceivable metric.” — Bret Taylor, Former CTO of Facebook

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While Australia has enacted a ban on social media for individuals under 16, the UK and France are still in the consideration phase, with no definitive timelines for implementation. Additionally, the effectiveness of TikTok's safety features remains a topic of debate among regulators and advocacy groups.

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