Experts Urge Meta to Enhance Transparency in Social Media Impact Studies on Children

Two University of Bath School of Management experts, Dr. Brit Davidson and Dr. David Ellis, have joined a coalition of 19 leading academics from around the world to urge Meta/Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to improve the transparency and scientific rigor of research on the impact of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp on children’s well-being. The letter highlights concerns that current methods used by Meta do not meet the high scientific standards needed to responsibly assess the mental health effects of these platforms. According to the letter, Meta's internal research is conducted in secrecy, providing only a fragmented picture through media leaks. Davidson, an expert in digital health and behavior, stressed the importance of transparent research practices, stating, “Sound science must come before firm conclusions are drawn or new tools are launched. Mark Zuckerberg and Meta have an ethical and moral obligation to align their internal research on children and adolescents with established standards for evidence in mental health science.” Ellis, a behavioral scientist studying the influence of social media and data on modern society, agreed, noting that Meta’s research, while acknowledging the potential impact on mental health, fails due to methodologically questionable and secretive practices. This lack of transparency has created skepticism among scientists and concern among lawmakers, journalists, parents, and children. “This is frustrating, because if the science was strong, data collected by Meta could inform our understanding of digital technology use and its influence on mental health in unprecedented ways,” Ellis added. The letter points out that Meta’s platforms are used by three billion people globally for socializing, leisure, and business, making it highly likely that these virtual environments significantly affect the mental health of younger users. The academics argue that Meta’s own research indicates the company recognizes this possibility. However, the research practices are seen as flawed and untransparent, potentially leading to a wasted opportunity for valuable insights. The coalition has proposed the establishment of an Independent Oversight Trust for child and adolescent mental health on Meta platforms. This trust would aim to conduct rigorous, transparent research to evaluate the material risks to mental health and collect scientific evidence. The academics emphasized that such research is crucial for identifying and promoting mental health in the 21st century, especially given the global nature of social media use. “It will be impossible to identify and promote mental health if we cannot study how young people are interacting online,” they wrote. Furthermore, the academics noted that most research on youth mental health is currently skewed towards European, North American, and English-speaking populations, reinforcing biases and neglecting the mental health of young people in other regions. Establishing the Independent Oversight Trust could address these disparities and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the mental health impacts of social media worldwide. The letter builds on Meta’s existing Oversight Board, which oversees content moderation and policy decisions. The academics suggested that extending similar independent governance to mental health research would enhance accountability and credibility. They wrote, "You have demonstrated your commitment to independent governance with your support of the Oversight Board in matters of free expression and legal norms. We call upon you to extend this accountability to the critical matter of youth mental health." The coalition offered their assistance to Meta, expressing a belief that the company can improve its research practices. They concluded, “We believe Meta can do better and we write to offer our help.” Industry insiders and experts have applauded the initiative, emphasizing the need for corporate responsibility and ethical conduct in researching the effects of social media on vulnerable groups. They suggest that Meta has a unique opportunity to lead in this area by setting higher standards for transparency and scientific rigor. The University of Bath, known for its interdisciplinary approach to research and education, is a fitting platform for Davidson and Ellis to advocate for these changes, underscoring the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in addressing complex societal issues.