Istanbul: Social media algorithms designed to keep users engaged for long periods are contributing to digital addiction, particularly among children and adolescents, a mental health specialist said. Ilyas Kaya, an assistant professor specializing in child and adolescent mental health disorders at Istanbul University, said social media platforms increasingly rely on algorithms that aim to maximize the time users spend online.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kaya compared the systems to ‘digital slot machines,’ explaining that platforms continuously adjust the content shown to users to maintain their attention. Kaya noted that many users, especially adolescents and young people, become addicted as these algorithms learn their preferences and deliver increasingly engaging content. A social media addiction case involving children in Los Angeles has become a significant legal challenge for technology companies, he highlighted.
Kaya explained that despite the introduction of stricter measures to protect children and young people online, court cases against social media companies are ongoing. He defined social media addiction as ‘the inability to control social media usage despite all the negative effects it may have on the individual.’ Platforms encourage users to remain logged in as long as possible while analyzing their interactions with content, displaying content specifically attractive to each user to keep them engaged.
He warned that excessive social media use among children and adolescents could lead to various mental health issues, including major depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), body dysmorphia, and eating disorders. These conditions can also predispose individuals to other addictions and personality disorders in adulthood. Kaya emphasized that children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to their ongoing psychological and neurological development.
As more countries consider implementing restrictions on social media use for children under 16, the full scale of digital addiction’s negative effects may become clearer. Kaya stated that while bans and parental controls might be necessary, they should not be the only solution. Teaching children age- and developmentally-appropriate use of these platforms is essential.
Kaya suggested several practical steps for individuals who believe they may be addicted to social media, such as disabling notifications, setting time limits, and using grayscale color filters on phones. He pointed out that excessive social media use leads to constant social comparison, contributing to low self-esteem, depression, and the fear of missing out (FOMO).
Kaya acknowledged that US lawsuits regarding social media’s impacts are not baseless, as excessive use can result in eating disorders, sleep problems, and even suicidal ideation. He stressed the importance of placing boundaries to protect children from the dopamine cycle and reduce long-term psychological harm, advocating for further monitoring and supervision on these platforms.