A recent study from the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics at University College Dublin (UCD) highlights a pressing issue in the digital lives of teenagers: the psychological impact of disturbing social media content. Conducted with 87 transition year students from Irish schools, the research reveals that teens are not only aware of the algorithms dictating their online experiences but are also frustrated by the lack of control and presence in discussions around social media content regulation. This study underscores the ongoing tension between personal agency and the need for protective measures online.

### Understanding the Study’s Findings

The study, led by Megan Nyhan, will be presented at the upcoming ACM Interaction Design and Children conference in Brighton. It delves into how teens use social media platforms, which are both a source of opportunities and risks. Participants reported being exposed to unwanted sexual attention and ineffective screen time limiters, which they describe as “performative” rather than genuinely helpful. The teens expressed a strong desire for tools that allow them to edit algorithms and filter or blur inappropriate content, highlighting their wish for age-appropriate interactions.

Nyhan points out that, despite being the primary users of these platforms, young people are often excluded from crucial conversations about social media governance. The study participants shared instances of being targeted with inappropriate content, such as being shown porn while searching for fashion inspiration and receiving messages from older men soliciting contact via WhatsApp for money. Such experiences contribute to a feeling of being “trapped in a loop” by the endless scroll of personalised feeds.

### The Competitive Context and EU Regulations

The findings come at a critical time, as the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) could potentially reshape the landscape of social media regulation. The DSA emphasizes stakeholder consultation in risk assessment and mitigation, which could include the voices of teens, who are intensive users of social media platforms. This regulatory framework might create an environment where companies are mandated to engage more directly with young users as stakeholders in platform design and governance.

The study positions itself as a vital contribution to understanding how teens interact with algorithmically curated content. It reframes their engagement as negotiated agency rather than passive consumption, suggesting that teens are actively trying to influence the algorithms that dictate their online experiences. By foregrounding teen voices, the study offers actionable design recommendations, such as improved safeguards, low-effort feedback mechanisms, and more effective screen-time tools.

### Implications for Irish and European Stakeholders

For Irish and European founders, engineers, and investors, the study presents an opportunity to rethink the design and governance of social media platforms. It challenges the tech industry to incorporate the perspectives of younger users into the development cycle, potentially leading to platforms that better balance personalisation with user safety. This could not only improve user satisfaction and retention but also align with forthcoming regulatory expectations under the DSA.

Investors, in particular, might see value in startups that prioritize ethical AI and user-centric design, as these areas are likely to gain traction in a regulatory landscape increasingly focused on user protection and privacy. The study also suggests that there is an untapped potential for innovation in algorithm-editing tools that empower users, especially young ones, to curate their own digital experiences more effectively.

### Looking Ahead

As the study is presented internationally, it may inspire further research and dialogue around the inclusion of teen voices in tech design and policy discussions. For Irish and European tech stakeholders, this could mean pioneering new standards for user engagement and platform governance. Engaging with young users not only meets an ethical imperative but could also provide a competitive edge in an evolving regulatory environment. As the digital landscape shifts, those who adapt by incorporating diverse user perspectives may find themselves better positioned for sustainable growth and innovation.