The European Parliament is calling for legislation to address smartphone and internet addiction, warning of harmful techniques used by social media to keep users scrolling.
A report adopted by Parliament on Tuesday outlines the need for a ban on addictive techniques such as endless scrolling or automatic play, the introduction of a digital 'right to not be disturbed' and increased online children's safety.
"No self-discipline can beat Big Tech's tricks, fuelled by armies of designers and psychologists to keep you glued to your screen," said Dutch MEP Kim Van Sparrentak (Greens/EFA). "If we do not act now, this will have an impact on the mental health and brain development of generations to come."
Excessive use of smartphones and the internet can cause mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, lack of sleep, and obsessive-compulsive behaviour, with children and young people the most susceptible to these problems. The Parliament's findings indicate that young people aged 16 to 24 spend over seven hours daily on the internet, and one in four exhibits harmful smartphone use similar to addiction.
The report lists numerous good practices such as disabling default notifications, opting for chronological rather than algorithmic feeds, and greyscale screen use. MEPs advocate for awareness campaigns to foster safer and healthier online habits.
The report was approved with 545 votes in favour, 12 against and 61 abstentions.
