A controversial California bill may restrict the infinite scroll feature on social media platforms. The legislation targets design patterns that critics argue encourage excessive teenage use.
The proposed California law aims to limit addictive design features on social media platforms, with the infinite scroll mechanism in its crosshairs. The feature automatically loads new content as users scroll, eliminating natural stopping points.
Social media companies including Meta have faced mounting pressure to address youth engagement metrics. The bill reflects growing concerns among lawmakers and health advocates about the psychological impact of endless-feed design on teenagers.
Infinite scroll has been standard across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for years. If passed, the law would require platforms to implement alternatives, such as "load more" buttons that require deliberate user action.
The legislation has drawn both support from child safety advocates and opposition from tech companies arguing it infringes on user choice. The bill's passage remains uncertain as it moves through California's legislative process.
X's product head Nikita Bier acknowledged Monday that a broken algorithm stripped visibility from posts shared among mutual followers, making the platform feel combative. The company says it's implementing a fix to boost content distribution among connected users.
Microsoft's latest patch Tuesday brings new update flexibility to Windows 11, allowing users to pause updates for up to 35 days and repeatedly extend the deadline.
The UK government plans to implement an overnight curfew on social media apps for 16- and 17-year-olds by default. The proposal also requires platforms to disable addictive features like auto-play and infinite scroll.
X has adjusted its algorithm to boost post visibility among mutual followers—users who follow each other back—in an effort to reduce hostile interactions in reply sections.