New Age of Privacy: What Social Media Platforms Aren’t Telling You

Social media isn’t just part of our day—it’s woven into how we live. Today, we have 5.22 billion people, or 63.8% of the total world population on social media. Social media has its bright side. It connects you to people from all over the world. It brings all the fun stuff from all over the globe to your fingertips. 

However, it’s also the reason why terms as serious as “addiction” and “anxiety” have been associated with social media. Most users have no idea how much personal information they’re giving away.

How many times have you caught yourself mindlessly opening social apps today? These platforms know your habits better than you do. They track when you log in, what makes you pause, and even how long you hover over each post.

This is our core topic of discussion today. We’re here to pull back the curtain on what platforms aren’t telling you about privacy. You’ll learn how your data is being used, why it matters, and what steps you can take to stay protected. 

The Hook: How Social Apps Keep You Scrolling

According to the Addiction Center, 5-10% of Americans are likely to be social media addicts. And it makes sense. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are carefully crafted systems designed to keep us engaged for as long as possible. 

Instagram uses signals/user behavior to rank what you see on your feed, which means the algorithm learns from every scroll, like, and pause. It notices when you linger on certain posts, tracks what makes you click, and serves more of the same content. 

That’s why your feed feels personally curated – because it is. 

The endless scroll, autoplay videos, and constant notifications are some of the most addictive features. They trigger dopamine hits, making you crave more, just like a slot machine. While this might seem harmless, the impact on mental health can be severe, especially for kids and teens.

Don’t Take Social Media Addiction Lightly

Young users are particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon. Impression minds are being exposed to unrealistic beauty standards, peer pressure, and cyberbullying, all while spending hours glued to their screens. Studies have linked excessive social media use to increased anxiety, depression, and poor sleep habits.

These concerns have sparked widespread outrage among parents, educators, and policymakers. According to TruLaw, 41 states and the District of Columbia are suing Meta.

Anti-trust lawsuits like Instagram lawsuits target the addictive features of the app, alleging the features are intentionally designed to keep users engaged at the cost of their mental well-being. It’s a significant legal challenge for the social media giant.

If you’re worried that your child is struggling with mental health issues tied to Instagram’s addictive features, there’s help. By filing an Instagram lawsuit, you can seek remedies like civil penalties, oversight of these platforms, and injunctive relief to prevent further harm.

Take the first step toward protecting your child’s well-being and holding these companies accountable. It’s time to reclaim control over how these platforms affect our kids.

The Risks of Third-Party Apps

A lot of people use your social media account to log into third-party apps. It’s quick and convenient. 

No extra passwords to remember, just a few clicks, and you’re in. But there’s a small caveat: when you connect your social media to another app, you’re often giving that app access to more data than you think.

Third-party apps can collect details like your name, email, photos, and even your contacts or activity on the platform. In some cases, they can keep using that data long after you’ve stopped using their service. 

It does get worse. Many apps sell this information to advertisers or other companies, meaning you have no control over where your personal data ends up.

And it doesn’t stop there. The majority of third-party apps lack proper security, putting your information at risk of being exposed to a data breach. To stay safe, avoid using social media logins whenever possible. Create a unique account for each app instead. 

Deliberately Hidden Privacy Settings

Ever noticed how it takes you ages to find the “deactivate” option? It’s not a coincidence. 

Social media platforms often make it deliberately difficult to manage your privacy settings. Many options are buried deep within menus, requiring multiple steps to access. Even when users adjust these settings, they might still unknowingly allow data collection through loopholes hidden in the fine print. 

This tactic, known as dark patterns, is a design strategy that nudges users toward decisions that favor the platform, not the individual. Platforms use confusing layouts to hide privacy-friendly options or make them harder to select. 

They might highlight the “Accept All” button for cookies while hiding “Reject” in smaller text. Even after turning off certain permissions, platforms may continue tracking metadata, like your location or browsing habits, without your full knowledge.

If this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. But there are simple steps you can take. Use privacy tools like Privacy Badger to block trackers and check your settings regularly. The less data you give away, the more control you keep.

Take Control of Your Digital Life

You don’t have to settle for being in the dark about your online privacy. By understanding how social media platforms work and taking small, deliberate steps, you can protect your data and well-being. The power is in your hands—review your settings, limit access, and stay informed. Your privacy is worth it, and you can take charge today.