An expert panel in Singapore is advocating for the regulation of harmful social media features instead of implementing a total ban for young people [1].
This approach shifts the conversation from complete prohibition to targeted mitigation. By focusing on specific platform mechanics, regulators can potentially reduce the psychological risks associated with social media without removing the digital connectivity and educational opportunities these platforms provide.
The panel identified specific elements of social media architecture that contribute to youth instability. According to the group, algorithmically-curated feeds and follower metrics are primary drivers of harm [1]. These features often create feedback loops that can negatively impact the mental health and self-esteem of adolescent users.
Rather than removing access to the platforms entirely, the panel said that addressing these specific tools would be more effective. The goal is to safeguard young users from the most detrimental aspects of the user experience, specifically those designed to maximize engagement at the cost of wellbeing [1].
This recommendation comes as governments worldwide struggle to balance child safety with the reality of digital integration. The panel's focus on the technical components of platforms suggests a move toward "safety by design," where the burden of protection is placed on the developers rather than solely on parental supervision [1].
By targeting the features that trigger compulsive use and social comparison, the panel said that the risks to young people can be managed. This strategy aims to maintain the benefits of the internet while stripping away the mechanisms that drive anxiety and addiction [1].
“Tackle harmful social media features rather than impose total ban to protect the young”
This shift toward feature-specific regulation indicates a growing recognition that the harm of social media is not inherent to connectivity, but to the specific engineering of engagement. If adopted, this policy would force platforms to modify their core algorithms for minors, potentially ending the era of the 'infinite scroll' and public vanity metrics for youth users to prioritize mental health over time-on-site.
