Snap, Instagram, TikTok and other social media companies have been questioned by lawmakers, regulators and activists about toxic content on their platforms, leading some young people to say the apps have exacerbated eating disorders and contributed to other mental health problems. Snap has also been criticized for how its app allows teenagers to buy drugs like fentanyl.
These issues gained traction last year after a former Facebook employee released internal documents showing some teenagers appeared to feel worse after using Facebook products like Instagram. Instagram, Snap, TikTok and YouTube executives later testified in Congress on whether social media harms young people. In March, a group of attorneys general urged Snap and TikTok to increase parental controls for their apps.
Other countries have also taken steps to protect young people from the effects of social media. In September, the UK introduced new child safety regulations, prompting platforms like Instagram to launch their first parental controls. Instagram parental controls allow users to see and limit how much time their children spend on the app.
Snap has also been struggling with a downturn in business lately. Last month, the company reported its slowest quarterly growth ever amid a slowing economy and challenges for its advertising business.
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