Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, is taking steps to ensure that teenagers have a healthier relationship with their apps.
The company is developing a range of tools specifically designed to assist teens in managing their time on these platforms and regulating their usage.
One upcoming feature, set to be introduced soon, involves sending teenagers a notification after they have spent 20 minutes on Facebook. This notification will serve as a gentle reminder to take a break from the app and establish daily time limits. Meta is also exploring an innovative nudge for Instagram, which will encourage teens to close the app if they find themselves endlessly scrolling through Reels, particularly during nighttime hours.
These updates have been created with the intention of empowering teenagers to feel more in control of their online experiences. Meta’s suite of apps includes not only Facebook and Instagram but also Messenger, WhatsApp, and other services.
As part of their commitment to helping individuals stay focused and establish healthy boundaries with their friends and followers, Meta is actively working on various new features.
Earlier this year, Meta introduced “quiet mode” on Instagram, enabling users to enter a state where they receive no notifications and their activity status is altered to inform others that they are in this mode. Additionally, the app automatically sends an auto-reply when someone sends a direct message to a user in quiet mode.
In 2021, they also introduced the “take-a-break” feature on Instagram, which assists users in making more informed decisions about their time spent on the platform. When a user has been scrolling for an extended period, the app suggests taking a break and setting reminders for future breaks.
Meta has further announced the introduction of new parental supervision tools on their instant messaging app, Messenger. These tools allow parents to monitor their teenagers’ Messenger usage and the amount of time spent on the app. However, it’s important to note that these tools do not grant access to read their teens’ messages. Parents can also access and receive updates on their teens’ Messenger contacts list, as well as review their privacy and safety settings. They have the ability to see who can message their teen, who can view their teen’s Messenger stories, and receive notifications if any changes occur in these settings.
Meta expressed their ongoing commitment to collaborate with parents and experts in the development of additional features that support teenagers and their families.
As these social media giants continue to prioritise the well-being of younger users, we can expect to see more initiatives and tools aimed at fostering a healthier and more balanced online experience for teens.
