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[FCE] Meta and Google trial: are infinite scroll and autoplay creating addicts?

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A significant legal battle concerning the impact of social media design on users, particularly children, recently concluded its closing arguments in Los Angeles. Technology giants Meta and Google are facing accusations that features within platforms like Instagram cause addiction. Lawyers representing the prosecution claimed that the companies intentionally design their platforms to ‘addict the brains of children’. However, both Meta and Google have vehemently rejected these allegations, asserting that their priority is to provide a ‘safer, healthier experience’ for young people. This landmark trial has drawn parallels to the legal challenges faced by tobacco companies in the 1990s.

The case has focused on specific design elements such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and constant notifications. Arturo Béjar, a former Meta employee specializing in child online safety, provided testimony on ‘infinite scroll’. He explained that this feature offers a never-ending flow of content, consistently providing new stimuli and what he referred to as ‘dopamine hits’. Internal company documents revealed concerns among some Meta employees regarding an increase in users’ ‘reward tolerance’, with one individual describing Instagram as ‘a drug’. Professor Sonia Livingstone of the London School of Economics noted that young people often scroll exceptionally quickly, continuously searching for something engaging.

Regarding autoplay videos, Béjar observed that while users initially found them distracting, they dramatically boosted video consumption, which was beneficial for advertisers. He suggested that autoplay taps into a natural human inclination to watch in order to comprehend what is happening. Notifications and ‘likes’ also play a significant role, as explained by Professor Mark Griffith, an expert in behavioural addiction. Receiving a ‘like’ provides a ‘hit of enjoyment’ and triggers pleasure chemicals in the body. Nevertheless, Professor Griffith clarified that this is typically a ‘moreish quality’ rather than a clinical addiction on par with nicotine or cocaine, describing most usage as ‘habitual’ or ‘problematic’, but rarely ‘addictive’ according to strict criteria. Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s CEO, concurred, stating social media is not ‘clinically addictive’ and comparing it to the pleasure derived from a good TV programme.

Jurors in Los Angeles have now begun their deliberations. The outcome of this case is eagerly awaited, as it has the potential to redefine the responsibilities of technology companies regarding the design of their platforms and their subsequent effects on users.

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1. What is the main subject of the legal case against Meta and Google?

  • A. Their advertising strategies and revenue generation.
  • B. Claims that their platform features cause addiction, especially in children.
  • C. Issues related to user data privacy and security.
  • D. Their failure to implement parental control features effectively.

2. According to Arturo Béjar, what is the effect of ‘infinite scroll’?

  • A. It limits content exposure to prevent overstimulation.
  • B. It creates a continuous stream of content, providing constant new stimuli.
  • C. It encourages users to spend less time on the platform.
  • D. It primarily benefits advertisers by displaying more targeted ads.

3. What did internal company documents mentioned in the article reveal about Instagram?

  • A. That employees were satisfied with user engagement levels.
  • B. Concerns about users developing increased ‘reward tolerance’.
  • C. Plans to introduce new features to reduce screen time.
  • D. Evidence that social media is clinically addictive for all users.

4. Professor Mark Griffith distinguishes the ‘enjoyment’ from receiving a ‘like’ from a ‘clinical addiction’ by suggesting it is usually…

  • A. a dangerous psychological dependency that requires professional help.
  • B. a temporary feeling of pleasure comparable to drug use.
  • C. a ‘moreish quality’ and often ‘habitual’ or ‘problematic’ rather than strictly addictive.
  • D. a clear sign of a severe neurological disorder.

5. What is the potential significance of the trial’s outcome?

  • A. It could lead to the closure of Meta and Google’s social media platforms.
  • B. It might redefine tech companies’ responsibilities regarding platform design and user impact.
  • C. It will likely result in a complete ban on social media for children.
  • D. It will have no lasting effect on how social media companies operate.