Meta responds to criticism regarding youth health and algorithms

Published 2026-10-24

Janne Elvelid, Head of Public Policy at Meta in Sweden, has recently commented on the widespread criticism directed at the company's platforms. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram among others, has long been accused of its algorithms contributing to increased polarization in society and that the platforms can be harmful to the mental health of young users.

In an interview, Elvelid emphasizes that Meta's ambition is for their services to have a positive impact on users. He maintains that the company is working actively to improve safety and reduce the spread of harmful content. Despite this, concerns remain among many parents and experts who argue that digital environments often encourage behavior that can negatively affect young people.

The discussion about the role of algorithms is central to the debate. The algorithms are designed to show content that engages the user, but critics argue that this often leads to people ending up in so-called "filter bubbles" where they only see opinions similar to their own. This, in turn, can lead to a more polarized social climate and make it more difficult to conduct a constructive debate.

Meta has previously introduced several tools to give users more control over their experience, such as the ability to hide "likes" and restrictions on how adults can contact minors. Elvelid points out that the company continues to develop these features to create a safer environment.

The question of how social media affects society and the individual is a constantly relevant topic in Sweden. The debate is expected to continue in the future, as both lawmakers and technology companies seek solutions to balance digital freedom with the need to protect users.

Sources: Sveriges Radio

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