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Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp should develop ways to make it easier for people to stop using them, MPs have heard.
Labour’s Ged Killen (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) said he wanted the firms to shift their focus from demanding people’s attention to also helping them switch off.
He added that big technology companies should contribute to a research fund which assesses the impact of their products and services on people, and also promotes “healthy use” of them.
Mr Killen’s remarks came as he voiced concerns over “addictive technology” in a parliamentary debate.
Tech companies have a duty of care for the consumers of their products. With increasing evidence that some products are designed to be addictive, tech companies should help provide money for research and to offset the negative health effects https://t.co/yaIkW6qjSL
— Ged Killen (@Gedk) October 23, 2018
Speaking in Westminster Hall, he said the science on the health effects of technology overuse – including social media and smart phones – is still evolving.
Mr Killen told MPs: “I think the tech companies have a duty of care to the consumers who use their products.
“I welcome Apple’s recent intervention to introduce a screen time function that allows consumers to monitor and restrict their time or their use of certain apps.
“I hope this will be rolled out on a wider basis by other tech companies.
“I hope that social media companies and app creators like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp will stop focusing on developing new ways to demand your attention and push constant notifications at us, and start developing ways that make it easier for us to switch off.”
He added there is more the big technology firms can do to mitigate the “negative effects” of technology and understand it.
Mr Killen said: “In much the same as the gambling industry and alcohol industry contribute funds from their profits to mitigate negative effects of their products, I see no reason why big technology companies could not contribute to some sort of fund that supports research into the health impact of their products and services – and helps to promote healthy use of their technology.
“That could apply to everything from using a smartphone to combating online abuse and bullying.
“I hope this is something the Chancellor would at least be willing to look at further.”
Mr Killen recognised some companies conduct research but insisted independent scrutiny is required.
