Washington, Jan 20 (NationPress) - Lawmakers in the United States, alongside child development specialists, have leveled accusations at leading tech companies for allegedly crafting social media platforms intended to ensnare children. During a recent Senate panel discussion, they asserted that the rise in addictive algorithms—rather than parental oversight—is at the heart of the escalating youth mental health crisis.

At a Senate Commerce Committee session titled “Plugged Out: Examining the Impact of Technology on America’s Youth,” Chairman Ted Cruz expressed concern that parents find it increasingly difficult to shield their children from products meticulously designed to enhance engagement and profit margins.

“Parents are in a constant struggle,” Cruz remarked, highlighting the excessive screen time for children and the nature of online content directed at younger audiences.

Experts indicated that social media platforms are structured to capture attention through algorithmic feeds, alerts, and infinite scrolling—features particularly detrimental to developing minds.

“These platforms are intentionally built to attract children,” stated Maria Cantwell, the committee's leading Democrat. She pointed out that these companies gather vast amounts of data on children, employing algorithmic targeting to maintain their online presence since “engagement translates to revenue.”

Psychologist Jean Twenge informed lawmakers that significant social media usage correlates strongly with issues such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation, especially among teenage girls.

“That is their business model,” Twenge noted. “The longer individuals engage with these apps, the greater the profits for the companies.”

Cantwell referenced studies revealing that nearly 40 percent of teenagers exhibit troubling signs of media addiction, which she asserted doubles the likelihood of suicidal behavior. Additional research presented to the committee indicated that American teens now average over an hour of smartphone use during school hours, primarily on social media and video apps.

Pediatrician Jenny Radesky reported findings from her lab showing that nearly all apps examined included at least one manipulative design aspect aimed at extending usage or monetizing children's attention.

“We identified frequent notifications, algorithmic feeds, and pressure to make purchases,” Radesky explained, noting that numerous apps collect and share personal data from children with marketing databases that minors cannot fully comprehend or consent to.

Several lawmakers contended that these companies continue to prioritize profits despite evident harm. “You can’t out-parent an algorithm,” Radesky emphasized, advocating for regulation that addresses platform design rather than placing the burden solely on families.

The hearing also shed light on educational institutions, where students increasingly receive internet-enabled devices with limited protections. Experts cautioned that these devices often expose children to social media, games, and video platforms during school hours, reinforcing compulsive usage patterns.

Lawmakers from both major parties expressed support for legislation aimed at restricting social media access for younger users and limiting algorithmic amplification for teenagers. Cruz clarified that the goal was not to eliminate technology but to hold companies accountable for products shown to inflict harm.

“This isn’t just a problem for kids,” one witness pointed out to the panel. “It’s a concern for adults too.”