That you can do while browsing FacebookLosing track of time on Facebook or Instagram and mindlessly scrolling through content for dozens of minutes may not just be a matter of weak will. The European Commission recently came to a preliminary conclusionthat Meta designed its social networks in a way that could encourage addictive and compulsive behavior in users. If the allegations are confirmed, the tech giant could face a fine of up to $12,5 billion.
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The European Commission is particularly concerned about several elements that are now standard on social networks. These include:oneThe combination of these features, according to European officials, is intended to keep users in the apps for as long as possible and encourage their automatic use without a conscious decision to continue.
HasoneThe scrolling put the user on autopilot
The so-called nek has received the most criticismonescrolling. Facebook Even Instagram doesn't offer a natural way to browse content.onec page where a person would stop and decide whether to continue. Instead, the apps constantly load new posts, photos, and videos, which can easily put the user on “autopilot” and keep scrolling for much longer than they originally intended.
According to the European Commission, this type of use can contribute to the development of unhealthy habits and, in extreme cases, excessive or compulsive use of social networks. The concerns do not only concern adult users, but also minors and other vulnerable groups. In addition, preliminary findings suggest that Meta overlooked information on how much time young people spend on its platforms in the evening.
Current instruments according to the EU nestachi
Meta has long defended itself by Facebook Both Facebook and Instagram offer time management tools, parental controls and other features to help people limit their use of social media. However, the European Commission says these measures are not effective enough. It is too easy to dismiss time-out warnings and continue using the app, while parental tools are said to be unnecessarily complicated for many parents to set up. The Commission is therefore proposing fairly fundamental changes. According to it, Meta should notoneBoth scrolling and auto-playing media should be turned off by default and users should be given a truly functional system for controlling the time spent in apps. In other words, it shouldn't be enough to just show a notification that can be ignored with a single tap.
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ProIt is important to note that these are only preliminary findings of the investigation and Meta will have time to defend itself against them. However, if the European Commission confirms its position, it could fine the company up to 6% of its global annual turnover. Given that Meta reported sales of almost $201 billion in 2025, more than $12,5 billion could be at stake. Provoice Facebookua Instagram built on nekoneThe constant supply of content could cost the company a lot. Personally, I am therefore very curious to see how the whole situation will turn out and how it will develop in the future. Facebook and Instagram will change.
Could the EU address more important issues and not such nonsense?!
She couldn't, maybe you know who's in charge.