Social media connects people, enables creativity and gives individuals, communities and small organisations a public voice. Yet the same features that encourage participation can also intensify pressure, distraction and compulsive use. The recent Meta case illustrates this tension particularly clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In August 2026, Meta reached a proposed settlement with a coalition of US attorneys general concerning allegations that features of Facebook and Instagram encouraged compulsive use among children and teenagers. The proposed measures include default daily time limits, restrictions on overnight use, stronger parental supervision, enhanced age-assurance mechanisms and independent oversight (California Department of Justice, 2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The case raises a question that goes beyond one company: Who should take responsibility for the effects of digital technology? Regulation is important, but it often intervenes only after risks have materialised. Digital responsibility must therefore also involve technology providers, educators, organisations and users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is where the DIRECT project comes in. Digital responsibility is not simply about setting the rules or trying to avoide technological innovation. It means developing the competence to recognise ethical dilemmas, understand how digital systems influence behaviour, consider their societal consequences and make informed decisions. We need to support the development of these competences through education and practical learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learning digital responsibility means asking critical questions: Why was this technology designed in this way? Whose interests does it serve? What benefits does it create, and who may carry the risks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We should use the opportunities offered by digital technologies. But we should also raise our voices when systems are unfair, manipulative or harmful. Responsible participation begins when we stop seeing ourselves as passive users and recognise that we can question technology, influence its development, and help shape a fairer digital future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n