Strategies of Digital Platforms Targeting Minors

Digital devices and smartphones are increasingly dominating children’s lives, raising concerns about their mental health. Experts warn that parents must closely monitor what children are doing online and how much time they spend on digital platforms.

According to information submitted by Meta in a California court, one in five teenagers aged 13 to 15 reportedly view explicit content on Instagram. This has triggered debate over whether such exposure is accidental or driven by algorithms. Reports also suggest that Meta’s internal research emphasized focusing on teenagers to expand its user base, as they often influence app choices within families.

There are ongoing allegations that these platforms are designed to keep minors engaged for longer periods through addictive features like notifications, reels, and content suggestions. With apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram widely used, concerns about their impact on teenagers’ mental health continue to grow, making parental supervision more important than ever.