Global Attention Economy Regulatory Framework Sparks Discussion: AI Recommendation Algorithms' Impact on Adolescent Brain Development

The World Health Organization released the Digital Attention and Adolescent Health report on July 2, 2028, based on tracking studies of over 2 million adolescents aged 12-18 across 47 countries. The report identifies a significant correlation between social media platforms' heavy reliance on AI recommendation algorithms and shortened attention spans, dopamine system abnormalities, and increased anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The report notes that over the past five years, global adolescents' average sustained attention span has dropped from 12 seconds to 7 seconds, coinciding precisely with the explosive growth of short-video platforms. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on countries to incorporate "attention protection" into public health frameworks, implementing dedicated regulation of AI recommendation algorithms targeting minors, including restrictions on infinite scroll mechanisms and mandatory "digital rest" reminders.