How Facebook's Algorithm is Creating Mental Issues in Users

It’s no longer a hidden fact that social media platforms like Facebook affect the mental health of users.

They lead to depression, isolation, and a loop of negative thinking. The mental health deterioration equals 22% of job losses. Facebook’s growth has mostly been at the cost of the mental well-being of its users, especially the youth.

Frances Haugen, a woman who identified herself as ‘Sean’, revealed shocking facts about Facebook’s algorithm. She had been working as the product manager for almost 2 years at the civic misinformation team in the company. She shared that the social media giant was aware of the mental health harms caused by its algorithms and still carried on with them.

It is indeed disheartening to notice how Facebook and other social media algorithms are the reason for aggravating mental health conditions. The article will shed light on this issue.

Addictive Social Media Algorithms & Its Dark Side

Many users who have filed a Facebook lawsuit, have found their kids and dear ones to be affected by detrimental content. Filing a legal complaint has helped raise awareness about this issue. People today realize that social media content when browsed excessively, can cause mental health issues. But it's necessary to know the reason behind this.

In January 2022, Time.com shared that addictive algorithm concerns were prevalent for the two Meta platforms. Facebook’s algorithms came under the scanner with what Frances Haugen, manager turned whistleblower, had to share about the harmful effects of this platform.

In testimony to a Senate Commerce subcommittee, Haugen said that Facebook used an ‘engagement-based ranking’. It's an algorithmic system that works to reward posts that generate most comments, shares and likes. We are aware that meaningful social interactions are likely to create strong reactions.

As a result, it has created a system that has promoted divisive content on this platform, incited violence, and fostered misinformation and hate speech. 

Instagram, a platform owned by Meta, employs such mechanisms to compel teens and children to view harmful content that can cause mental health problems, negative body image, and bullying.

Haugen leaked a few internal research findings, highlighting features that contributed to Meta’s success and addictive nature. For instance, the ‘Explore’ page showcases curated posts to users based on their interests. This is what causes the most harm as it shows content based on user interest without any restrictions. 

TIME asked Meta to share its views on the probable algorithmic changes, but it didn’t respond immediately. However, other social media platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, have also been criticized for using algorithmic suggestion systems that can make users addicted to their content. A leaked document revealed that TikTok’s algorithm promoted more ‘sad’ content, which led to self-harm.

Facebook and Its Infinite Scroll Method

Human Rights Impulse shared in July 2022 that Facebook intentionally develops addictive algorithms for augmenting engagement on its platforms. So that there is more user addiction, the brand deploys a method called ‘infinite scroll’. It makes users constantly scroll through the existing content pool.

That means the user's brain can't control the impulse to perpetually scroll through an enormous volume of content. It makes them stare incessantly at the screen for long periods of time.

The brains of people addicted to social media are much like those of drug-dependent adults. The brain scans revealed visible changes in the areas of the brain that managed attention, emotions, and decision-making. Facebook addiction makes the broken reward pathways in a user's brain feel rewarded as comments or likes.

The positive social feedback that users get on Facebook releases dopamine in their brains. It rewards the user’s behavior and makes them scroll through social media pages more. While this can have a favorable impact, an excess of it can lead to mental health issues.

It can make users feel inadequate about their lives and develop complex opinions regarding the way they look. Often, it has made teens vulnerable to cyberbullying, which causes them to be harassed and develop self-deprecating habits. That aside, it also made them follow fad diets to attain an unrealistic body shape and feel counted and acknowledged by others.

TorHoerman Law says that for a very long time, Meta and other social media companies have escaped from their responsibility to consider the mental well-being of their users. They implemented algorithms that focus only on profit rather than user welfare. But since more than 40 states have sued Meta for its harmful content and algorithms, it has made Facebook aware of it.

Is There a Solution?

It’s at the user's discretion not to fall for the addictive content that can create a loop of worry, anxiety, stress, and tension. The solution is to browse Facebook for a stipulated time and not get addicted to it. Simultaneously, it is necessary not to fall for a false sense of reality created on social media.

Also, as parents, if you find your kids suffering from mental health issues and body image problems because of social media content, it’s important to take action. Speaking with them without any judgment and opting for therapy is a good way out. That aside, if you find that your kid has faced cyberbullying or any similar harm, it is necessary to take legal action by consulting a lawyer.

Summing up, we often find ourselves glued to social media content and an endless loop of Facebook browsing. Now that we are aware that the content gets designed in a way to keep us engaged, it’s necessary to know where to draw the line. It’s important to browse Facebook to connect with others and for recreation. But the moment you feel your mental health is at stake, you must curb your social media use.