6
Social media algorithms amplify harmful content, exposing users, particularly young people, to risks
Conclusion
Internet users are exposed to large volumes of harmful and misleading content which can deceive, damage mental health, normalise extremist views, undermine democracy, and fuel violence. We are concerned by the evidence that recommendation algorithms—integral to the advertisement- and engagement-driven business models of social media companies—play a role in this. Young people are particularly vulnerable to these harms, and 53 those born today will never have known a world without AI—we plan to explore in detail the impact the online world has on their developing brains in our future work. (Conclusion, Paragraph 26)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 17 October 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.
Source
Report
2nd Report – Social media, misinformation and harmful algorithms
11 Jul 2025
HC 441
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age
1.2 yr
Report published
11 Jul 2025