TORONTO — Experts from around the world, including Canada, are sounding the alarm about the growing scale of digital technology use among children and youth, deeming it a public health issue that requires urgent action. In a recent series of papers published by The Lancet, the authors contend that the responsibility for protecting young people from the harmful effects of social media and other forms of digital technology should shift from individual families to major technology companies and governments.
Jay Shaw, co-author and Canada Research Chair in responsible health innovation at the University of Toronto, emphasized the need to reconsider how we view the impact of technology on health. He noted that merely focusing on individual choices is inadequate to address the "digital determinants of health" present in the lives of young people today.
The papers highlight that interventions like parental screen-time limits or self-regulation by youth are insufficient to mitigate the effects of technology. Indeed, Shaw points out that the design choices and business models of tech companies, engineered to maximize user engagement, largely drive the adverse health consequences associated with excessive technology use.
The way social media companies generate revenue—keeping users engaged for extended periods and gathering data on their online behaviors for targeted advertising—has contributed to problematic usage patterns among young people. Shaw provides the example of the "infinite scroll" feature, which makes it challenging for users to disengage from the platform.
These targeted algorithms and the creation of AI-driven chatbots are designed to perpetuate user interaction, making platforms addictive. This can lead to significant issues, including an inability to stop scrolling even when it becomes detrimental to well-being. The Lancet's umbrella review of 2,790 studies highlighted concerning mental health impacts such as depression, anxiety, and disrupted sleep associated with excessive digital media use. Conversely, the review also recognized some potential health benefits tied to moderate digital engagement and active video gaming.
While tech companies often assert that there is insufficient causal evidence linking digital media use to mental health issues, the authors of the papers argue that the overwhelming presence of digital media and the varying susceptibility of individuals to its harms justify implementing precautionary public health measures.
Such actions include government regulations and reforms to the business models of digital platforms, prioritizing the well-being of young users. Australia has already enacted regulations that limit social media access to individuals aged 16 and older, and several other countries, including Canada, are contemplating similar approaches. Canada's proposed legislation, including Bill C-34 (the Safe Social Media Act) and Bill C-36 (the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act), aims to establish a Digital Safety Commission to oversee tech companies and restrict users under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
Though these bills would create exemptions for companies demonstrating effective safeguards for child protection, Shaw points out that incentivizing firms to prioritize safety is critical to the overarching goal. He acknowledges the positive aspects of digital platforms, such as educational and recreational opportunities, advocating for a balanced approach rather than a total ban on social media for younger teens.
Currently, platforms like Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old and implement settings for users under 16 that enable parental monitoring and limit exposure to harmful content. Yifan Zhou, a 30-year-old Canadian involved in the Lancet series who also co-founded an advisory group of young adults, expressed that while social media can foster connections and access to information, it also has a darker side. She shared insights about feelings of loneliness resulting from diminished in-person interactions and the anxiety of constant social comparison, as well as personal experiences involving online predation that went unnoticed for years.
Dr. Michael Cheng, a psychiatrist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, highlighted the increasing prevalence of addictive social media behaviors among youth. He noted the shift in priorities from wanting parental visits during hospital stays to the need to keep cellphones, reflecting the extent of technology's influence. Cheng commented on the growing global concern over these issues and expressed hope for a future where technology can be designed to be safer for young users.
Zhou remains optimistic about the possibility for change, asserting that the release of The Lancet papers provides a source of hope. She believes that young people are actively participating in shaping their futures and that collaboration can lead to the safe development of digital spaces. This perspective emphasizes the importance of both regulation and education as means to protect the well-being of young individuals in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
