Amusing or addictive? The algorithms powering our social feeds
· Technology · Economic Times, The Hindu
Australia is preparing legislation that would allow citizens to opt out of algorithmic content feeds on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The proposed law also seeks to impose fines on tech companies that fail to protect young users from harmful content. Researchers and experts, including those at Macquarie University, argue that these platforms use addictive features like never-ending feeds and intermittent rewards to keep users online. A landmark trial in Los Angeles recently examined similar claims, with tech giants accused of operating so-called addiction machines. The legislation aims to address concerns regarding the impact of these digital designs on sleep, wellbeing, and real-world social connections.
Why it matters
The proposed regulations could force major social media platforms to redesign their engagement-driven interfaces, potentially setting a global precedent for how tech companies manage user data and addictive content.
Read the original report — Economic Times
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