Research points to how companies could make social media less addictive for teens

NPR
by Rhitu Chatterjee
March 27, 2026
1 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Research shows social media platforms use design features that make apps particularly addictive for teenagers.

How This Affects You

Teenagers face increased addiction risk from social media platforms designed with engagement-maximizing features; parents may see screen time difficulties.

AI Summary

Juries in two major cases have validated research showing that social media platforms are designed in ways that make them particularly addictive and difficult for teenagers to resist. The findings have prompted growing calls to redesign how these platforms operate. The case verdicts underscore mounting pressure on social media companies to alter their design features that exploit teen psychology.

What's Being Done

Jury findings in two major cases have affirmed research on design-based liability, with growing calls to change platform design mechanisms.

Should this be getting more attention?

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