A British Columbia mother is calling for greater protections for children online after the death of her 13-year-old daughter, raising concerns about the role social media algorithms may play in exposing young users to harmful content. Chelsey Whittingham says recommendation systems can push emotionally harmful material toward vulnerable teens, often without parents knowing what their children are seeing.

While mental health challenges and suicide are caused by many factors, experts are exploring how online experiences and digital habits may affect young people’s mental well-being. As social media becomes a central part of daily life, understanding how algorithms work and how they shape what teens see online is becoming an important part of digital safety.

What Is a Social Media Algorithm?

An algorithm is a system of rules and calculations that helps platforms decide what content appears on a user’s feed. Instead of showing posts in chronological order, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat use algorithms to personalize recommendations based on individual behaviour.

These systems analyze signals such as how long someone watches a video, what posts they like or share, the accounts they follow, what they search for and what content they return to. The goal is to predict what users are most likely to engage with next, which is why two people using the same platform can have completely different feeds.

This personalization can be helpful. Someone interested in cooking may see more recipes, while a sports fan may receive more highlights and updates about their favourite teams. However, concerns have been raised about how recommendation systems can also amplify certain types of content, particularly for users who may already be vulnerable.

How Does the “Rabbit Hole” Effect Work?

One concern surrounding social media algorithms is what some researchers describe as a “rabbit hole” effect. This refers to the idea that a user’s feed can gradually become focused on one topic based on their previous interactions.

For example, a teen who watches several videos about anxiety or mental health may begin receiving more related content. Over time, recommendations can become increasingly specific as the platform learns what keeps the user engaged.

This does not mean every user will experience harmful content, nor does it mean platforms intentionally promote dangerous material. However, experts continue to study whether recommendation systems can unintentionally increase exposure to distressing or triggering content.

Because algorithms are designed to predict engagement, they may prioritize content a user is likely to continue watching rather than determining whether that content is beneficial for their well-being.

Why Teens May Be More Vulnerable Online

Adolescence is a period of significant emotional, social and neurological development. During these years, young people are developing their identities, learning how to manage emotions and becoming more influenced by their social surroundings.

Social media can provide positive experiences, including opportunities for creativity, connection and finding supportive communities. However, teens may also be more affected by social comparison, pressure to gain approval, online criticism, cyberbullying and emotionally intense content.

The endless scroll and personalized nature of social media can also make it difficult to recognize how much time is being spent online or how certain content may be influencing thoughts and emotions.

What Does Research Say About Social Media and Mental Health?

Research into social media’s impact on young people continues to evolve. Studies have found that online platforms can provide benefits while also creating potential challenges depending on how they are used.

Social media can help young people stay connected with friends, access educational resources, find communities based on shared experiences and explore creative interests. At the same time, researchers have identified concerns linked to unhealthy or excessive use, including sleep disruption, anxiety, negative body image, social comparison, cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.

However, social media does not affect every young person in the same way. Factors such as a teen’s existing mental health, relationships, offline support system and online habits can all influence their experience.

What Are Social Media Platforms Doing?

Social media companies have introduced safety measures designed to protect younger users. These include removing content that promotes self-harm or suicide, providing crisis support resources, using automated systems and human moderators to review reported content, and offering parental supervision features.

However, monitoring billions of pieces of content shared online remains a complex challenge. Families, researchers and safety advocates have raised concerns that harmful material can sometimes appear before it is detected or removed, especially through personalized recommendation feeds.

Why Parental Controls Aren’t Always Enough

Many parents use screen-time limits, content filters and parental controls to help manage their children’s online activity. These tools can be useful, but they may not provide a complete picture of what a teen is seeing.

Chelsey Whittingham believes recommendation systems create challenges that traditional parental controls may not be able to address.

“What many parents may not realize is that parental controls alone are no match for powerful recommendation systems that can continuously expose vulnerable children to emotionally harmful and dangerous content without their families’ knowledge.”

Recommendation feeds change constantly based on individual behaviour. Content can appear briefly, disappear after being viewed or be shared privately through direct messages. As a result, parents may not always know what content has been recommended to their child.

While parental controls remain an important safety tool, many digital safety experts emphasize that technology works best when combined with open conversations, trust and regular check-ins about online experiences.

Signs Parents Can Watch For

Changes in behaviour do not automatically mean social media is the cause, but they may be opportunities for parents and caregivers to check in with their teens.

Some signs that a young person may be struggling include:

  • Sudden changes in mood, behaviour or personality
  • Becoming more withdrawn from family or friends
  • Changes in sleep habits or daily routines
  • Increased secrecy around online activity
  • Losing interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
  • Spending significantly more time online than usual

Experts recommend approaching these conversations with curiosity rather than judgment. Creating a safe environment can help teens feel more comfortable discussing what they encounter online, including content that may be confusing, upsetting or difficult to talk about.

Building Healthier Digital Habits

Helping teens navigate social media safely involves more than limiting screen time. It also requires teaching young people how to think critically about the content they consume.

Parents and caregivers can support healthier online habits by asking teens about what appears on their feeds, discussing how algorithms influence what they see, reviewing privacy and safety settings together and encouraging a balance between online and offline activities.

Teaching digital awareness can help young people understand that their feeds are not random. They are shaped by systems designed to keep them engaged.

Looking Ahead

As social media continues to evolve, researchers, educators, families and technology companies are continuing to examine how recommendation systems affect young users.

The concerns raised by Chelsey Whittingham have renewed conversations about how online platforms can better support the safety and well-being of children and teens. While there are no simple solutions, understanding how algorithms work is an important step toward helping young people navigate digital spaces.

Reflecting on her concerns, Whittingham said:

“Children deserve to grow up in an online world designed to protect them, not exploit their vulnerability.”

The conversation around teen safety online is no longer only about how much time young people spend on social media. It is also about understanding what they are seeing, how content reaches them and how families, educators and technology platforms can work together to create healthier digital environments.

Resources and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, experiencing thoughts of self-harm, or feeling overwhelmed by what they see online, support is available.

Kids Help Phone: Young people across Canada can connect with trained crisis responders through phone, text or online chat. Support is available 24/7 for mental health concerns, stress, relationships and more.

Talk Suicide Canada: Provides free, confidential support for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or supporting someone who is struggling.

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Offers mental health resources, education and support services for individuals, families and communities across Canada.

For Parents and Caregivers

Parents can support safer online experiences by:

  • Talking regularly with young people about what they see and experience online
  • Encouraging open conversations without judgment
  • Learning about privacy settings and safety tools on the platforms their children use
  • Seeking professional support if they notice concerning changes in mood, behaviour or well-being

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