European Union Contemplates Measures to Curb Smartphone App Addiction

The European Union is deliberating a proposal aimed at compelling tech companies to reduce the addictive aspects of their mobile applications. Member of the European Parliament Kim van Sparrentak has spearheaded this initiative with the goal of safeguarding consumers from the addictive features prevalent in smartphone apps.

The draft report highlights the concerning trend of online services designed to maximize user engagement, with the average 16-24-year-old spending approximately seven hours daily on the internet. Additionally, one in four children and young individuals exhibit ‘problematic’ or ‘dysfunctional’ smartphone usage, as noted by Ms. van Sparrentak.

One of the most addictive design elements within apps is the “infinite scroll,” allowing users to continuously scroll through content without interruption. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn extensively employ this feature.

Furthermore, the ‘pull-to-refresh’ page reload function, akin to a digital slot machine, provides users with quick dopamine rushes upon reloading the page.

The proposal also advocates for a ‘digital right not to be disturbed,’ suggesting that all notifications should be disabled by default to reduce app engagement. Continuous auto-play, found in platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Reels, and YouTube Shorts, further compels users to stay engaged as videos automatically start playing, often leading to prolonged periods of viewing.

The proposal encourages the European Commission to promote ethical design principles for online services, including the implementation of warnings for excessive usage.

Supported by members of the European Parliament, this proposal, if approved, will undergo translation into legal texts next year before requiring endorsement from both the parliament and the 27 member states. DOT Europe, representing leading internet companies in Europe, has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions regarding the proposal, emphasizing the importance of considering both positive and negative impacts on user experiences online.