The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has warned of the risks posed to vulnerable young people by 'toxic' social media apps.
Professor Matthew Sadlier, Vice-President and Chair of the Consultants' Committee of the IMO, told a medical conference in Dublin that the mix of certain features of social media apps, algorithmically driven content and the ubiquity of smartphones had created a truly toxic online landscape.
Professor Sadlier was speaking at a meeting of the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) which represents national medical associations across Europe, covering more than 1.7 million doctors in 36 countries.
He said that it was imperative that the Irish Government used its upcoming EU presidency to educate people on the risks young people are exposed to online and work to tighten regulation of the online world.
"We are living in an age of almost non-existent social media regulation, which has created a truly toxic online landscape," Professor Sadlier said.
"Not only can children and adults alike access at will the most malevolent and dangerous content, but certain social media apps by their design reward that behaviour by directing users towards ever more extreme content."
"It is ironic that, having been marketed as useful, positive platforms to stay connected with friends and family, social media apps are exposing young people to a wide range of harms including addictive algorithms, sexual violence and gambling," he added.
