Experts warn of 'dangerous and addictive' social media algorithms targeting children

Global crisis: Social media algorithms harming "unsuspecting" children

Social media platforms are fueling a global crisis by exposing children to "dangerous and addictive" algorithms, according to a statement released recently.

The report highlights that many children in the United States, the United Kingdom, and around the world are suffering from the negative impacts of these digital mechanisms. Tech companies are accused of imposing these systems on young, unsuspecting users who are particularly vulnerable to their effects.

The statement pointed to a specific case involving an individual identified as KGM as a prime example of the distress caused by these algorithms.

Experts and advocates now view the issue as a worldwide concern that transcends national borders.

The recent rhetoric signals more than an isolated grievance; it represents a deepening global backlash against Big Tech. At the heart of the debate lies a systemic tension between social media’s engagement-driven business models and the mental health of its users, particularly adolescents. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are engineered to maximize time-on-site, utilizing algorithms that frequently amplify sensationalism, foster toxic social comparison, and trigger addictive behaviors.

As lawmakers in Washington and Brussels advance legislative frameworks to enforce "safety-by-design" and hold platforms liable for product harms, Hanoi is closely monitoring these international precedents. In Vietnam, where social media penetration among youth is among the highest globally, similar anxieties are beginning to surface. While the Vietnamese government’s regulatory focus often emphasizes information sovereignty and content control, the emerging Western legal consensus on algorithmic accountability may provide Hanoi with the necessary toolkit to impose more stringent oversight on the tech giants operating within its jurisdiction.

Vietnamese-American families face these same digital pressures, but often with an added layer of complexity. From the tight-knit hubs of Little Saigon to families recently arriving on F2B or H-1B visas, first-generation parents share a deep concern over the endless hours their children spend on social media and the resulting toll on their mental health. Yet, the combined weight of language barriers and a widening generation gap often stalls these vital conversations. Many parents, whether they are busy navigating the nail salon industry or managing a family phở restaurant, may not be fully plugged into the specific apps or viral trends their children follow. This creates a unique disconnect, making it harder for parents to effectively supervise their children’s digital lives while providing the support necessary to bridge the cultural divide.