Regulating The Digital Trap: Legal Perspectives On Youth And Social Media Addiction
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Mr. Jakey Khan, Research Scholar, University School of Law and Research (USLR), University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM).
Prof. (Dr.) Baharul Islam, Dean, University School of Law and Research (USLR), University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM).
ABSTRACT
The pervasive reach of social media has profoundly transformed the psychological and social dynamics of today’s youth, often with detrimental effects. This study critically examines the growing epidemic of social media addiction among young users, highlighting associated risks such as psychological dependence, exploitation, and unfiltered exposure to harmful and manipulative content. These developments have intensified public debate and regulatory scrutiny, placing immense pressure on governments and tech corporations to implement effective oversight mechanisms. Recent incidents including mounting criticism of major social media platforms for their role in exacerbating mental health crises, underscore the necessity of a vigorous legal and ethical response. A notable cultural marker of this crisis is the term "brain rot," describing cognitive decline due to excessive consumption of trivial digital content, which was chosen as Oxford’s Word of the Year in 2024. Such terminology reflects a growing societal recognition of the intellectual and emotional impact of unregulated digital exposure. Employing a doctrinal methodology, this paper evaluates the existing legal frameworks governing social media usage, with a particular focus on the vulnerabilities of youth. It identifies key regulatory gaps and explores comparative legal approaches adopted by other jurisdictions. The analysis emphasizes the urgency of developing a comprehensive and enforceable regulatory ecosystem to protect young users from the harmful effects of algorithm-driven engagement models. The research advocates for a multi-pronged regulatory strategy involving government intervention, corporate accountability, and targeted digital literacy programs. By fostering collaboration between policymakers, educators, and tech industries, the paper aims to contribute to a legal and ethical framework that not only curbs the adverse effects of digital addiction but also promotes a safer and healthier online environment for the younger generation in an increasingly digitized world.
Keywords: Social Media Addiction, Youth Protection, Online Regulation, Digital Well-being, Brain Rot
