Zuckerberg Grilled by Lawmakers Over Claims Social Media Platforms Addict and Harm Children

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of Meta Platforms, faced sharp criticism from lawmakers during a tense hearing focused on allegations that the company’s social media platforms are engineered in ways that encourage compulsive use and potentially harm children’s mental health.

During the session, legislators accused Meta of prioritizing growth and engagement metrics over the well-being of young users. Several cited internal research and whistleblower reports suggesting that features such as algorithmic recommendations, endless scrolling, and notification systems may contribute to addictive behavior, anxiety, and depression among minors.

Heated exchanges

Zuckerberg was pressed repeatedly on whether the company knowingly allowed harmful content to reach younger audiences and whether safeguards were implemented too slowly. Some lawmakers displayed examples of problematic material and asked why stronger protections were not introduced earlier.

In response, Zuckerberg defended Meta’s efforts, highlighting investments in parental controls, age restrictions, and artificial intelligence moderation tools, and said the company is committed to creating safer online environments.

“We want our platforms to be positive for young people,” he said, adding that Meta continues to update safety features and cooperate with regulators.

Calls for regulation

The hearing has intensified bipartisan calls for stricter tech regulation, including proposals to limit data collection from minors, restrict targeted advertising, and require greater transparency about algorithms.

Child safety advocates argue that voluntary measures are insufficient and that binding legislation is necessary to hold social media companies accountable.

Broader industry impact

Although the focus remained on Meta, analysts note the scrutiny could extend to other major tech companies operating youth-focused platforms. The debate underscores a growing global push to address the psychological and social effects of digital platforms on children.

As policymakers weigh new rules, the confrontation signals that the relationship between Big Tech and governments may enter a more confrontational phase in the years ahead.