Facebook published two annotated slides decks last night to help contextualize the Wall Street Journal documents published this month. The Wall Street Journal reported that Facebook is aware of the negative effects it has on teens' mental health. These documents were published in anticipation of today's Senate hearing about the mental health problems of Instagram and Facebook.
Over two and a quarter hours, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation questioned Antigone Davis, Facebook Global Head for Security. However, lawmakers became frustrated by Davis' reticence in answering their questions or providing much information that had not been published in Facebook blog posts rebuking WSJ reports.
Davis claimed that 8 out 10 young people have positive experiences on Instagram and Facebook. Her team also wants 10 percent of young users to have a positive experience. Senators countered with additional findings from Facebook's data. For example, 13% of British users could track the thoughts of suicidal teens to Instagram, while 6% of American users could. As the Chair of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Data Security, Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that his office conducted their own research and created an account that looked like a thirteen year-old girl. Senator Blumenthal stated that they used easily found accounts to promote disordered eating and self-harm.
Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Senator, chided Davis for a well-curated background. It is beautiful as it appears on the screen. I wish that the messages you were sending us were as beautiful.
This is the perfect storm Instagram has created and fostered. Facebook asked us to trust its data. Senator Blumenthal asked, "But after these evasions et these revelations... why should we trust it?"
However, in spite of filibustering tactics that fit right into the Senate floor (We were pretty good at filibustering the Senate too, Senator Klobuchar said to Davis), the Facebook Global Head for Safety gave details on the company's plans to improve the experience of young users, which Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, previously spoke about on Twitter.
Davis stated that young people suggested that uplifting or inspiring content could help them get over other problems. One of the things we were really looking at was nudges. This is where we would actually nudge someone we saw possibly rabbit-holing down more inspiring or uplifting content.
Davis stated that in addition to the nudges feature Davis also mentioned that the company is considering a take-a-break feature. This would encourage users not to look at the app for too long if they are browsing content. Instagram introduced a youre caught up notice in 2018. This would be displayed after the user scrolled through all posts for the past two days. This feature was added alongside do not disturb toggles that allowed users to control when they want to receive notifications. These updates are part of Time Well Spent initiatives that aim to reduce screen time and promote healthier social media habits. However, by 2020, the space below the catch up notice had been transformed into a feed with suggested posts and ads.
Big Tech continues to prioritize revenue over protecting children and teens. This must change. We know these companies will not change their ways unless Congress makes them. I am introducing the KIDS Act again. pic.twitter.com/8rgZCevj15 Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) September 30, 2021
Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, a social media celebrity himself, announced at the hearing that he would reintroduce legislation called the KIDS Act (Kids Internet Design and Safety Act). This Act seeks to provide new protections for internet users aged 16 and under. The bill would ban platforms that are directed at children from using push alerts to encourage users to use the app more and auto-play settings to encourage them to engage more. It also prohibits platforms that encourage kids to submit content or make purchases on an app.
Facebook knew about the legislation almost a full year ago, when it was introduced in March 2020.
Davis stated to Senator Markey that our company made it very clear that it believes it is time to update internet regulations.
Markey asked Davis if Facebook would support KIDS Act. Davis replied that Facebook would continue to follow up on the question later.
Your company has this legislation for many months. Senator Markey said that you are testifying today before the committee which would have to approve this legislation. I feel that delay is Facebook's legislative strategy, especially considering the fact that Facebook has spent billions on a campaign calling for Congress to adopt internet regulations. Facebook claims to be committed to the well-being of children.
Davis stated that she hoped the Senate would hold hearings with companies who have kid-focused apps like TikTok or YouTube at the end of the hearing. Currently, Facebook offers a Messenger Kids app. However, the company put its Instagram for children product on hold due to WSJs report. Although six documents were leaked by Facebook to WSJ, the company only annotated two of them and republished two.
