The Minister of Consumption, Alberto Garzón, has contacted those responsible for TikTok, Meta, Twitter, YouTube and Google to discuss the effects and repercussions that certain aspects of the design of these digital platforms are having on the mental health of the population. . It is special, of the youngest.
In this sense, Garzón has conveyed his concern about the fact that, for example, "techniques such as the infinite scrolling of videos, have as a consequence the constant release of dopamine in the user's body, alter their reward system, and can induce compulsive behaviors that could be clinically considered addictive," this ministry explained in a statement.
In addition, in the opinion of Consumption, these are "mechanisms similar to those that operate in the so-called addictions without substance, such as gambling and instant bets" and "all of this makes it difficult for young people to adequately develop their cognitive abilities or learn to drive frustration and emotions.
Another of the concerns that Consumption has transferred to digital platforms is that their different designs "encourage disconnection from reality and there are few tools to control and limit their use."
Finally, Garzón wanted to highlight that "there are already significant damages to the mental health of the users of these platforms, among which are anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem or sleep disorders."
For all these reasons, Consumption has said that Minister Alberto Garzón will meet "as soon as possible with those responsible for the aforementioned platforms to advance protection measures against the harmful effects that their uncontrolled use can cause in the population more vulnerable".
