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EU to Meta: Make your apps less addictive

The European Union is pushing Meta to redesign its social media apps, claiming they are engineered to be overly addictive and keep users endlessly scrolling.

By Euvo Editorial Team

Close-up of a smartphone screen displaying Instagram or Facebook feed, with European Union flag in the background, suggesting regulation
Explain like I'm 5

The European Union has told Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, that it needs to change how its apps are designed. The EU claims these apps are intentionally built to be addictive, encouraging users to spend more time on them.

This directive comes from findings suggesting Meta's platforms are engineered to "shift the brain into 'autopilot mode.'" This means the apps are designed to make users scroll without thinking, which can make them hard to stop using.

The EU's concerns are part of a broader push to make online platforms safer and more responsible. They are focusing on features that might exploit human psychology to maximize engagement, sometimes at the expense of user well-being.

This move could force Meta to rethink core elements of its user interface and notification systems in Europe. It highlights the increasing scrutiny tech giants face regarding their influence on consumer behavior and mental health.

If Meta does not comply, it could face penalties under EU regulations. This action signals a strong commitment from the EU to regulate the design practices of major tech companies operating within its borders.

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