would require social media companies to present posts to children in the order they’re issued by followed accounts, eliminating the role of algorithms that shape the stream of content.
Supporters of the measure fault social media algorithms for addicting young users and harming their mental health. Opponents, on the other hand, say the legislation could worsen content feeds by limiting tools that filter harmful speech and risks infringing on the First Amendment.The proposed legislation would restrict the use of algorithms for social media accounts that belong to individuals under the age of 18.
“Children are particularly susceptible to addictive feeds because they provide a non-stop drip of dopamine with each new piece of media and because children are less capable of exercising the impulse control necessary to mitigate these negative effects,” the measurein 2021 from then-Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who released internal research showing that the company understood the danger that Facebook-owned Instagram posed for some teen girls.
Chamber of Progress, a tech industry organization that receives support from dozens of firms such as Meta, Apple and Amazon, warned that the algorithm and data privacy measures could ultimately worsen social media feeds for children.