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Recently disclosed internal documents reveal that researchers at Facebook—now known as Meta—examined whether certain platform features could contribute to addiction-like behaviors among users, despite the company’s repeated public denials that it deliberately designs products to promote compulsive use.

These revelations come amid ongoing lawsuits involving major technology companies such as Snap, TikTok, and YouTube. Plaintiffs allege that features like autoplay and infinite scrolling were intentionally designed to drive excessive engagement, particularly among teenagers.

According to the documents, internal researchers proposed conducting a public review of features that might encourage compulsive usage, with the involvement of independent experts to strengthen the credibility of the assessment. The proposed study focused on understanding “repetitive and unwanted behaviors” that users may feel are beyond their control, and the potential mental health impacts associated with them.

The documents also suggested expanding the scope of research to include Instagram to assess how its features influence intensive usage patterns.

Although the proposed audit was not carried out, the company stated that other internal research led to the development of tools such as parental supervision, safer default settings for teens, and a “sleep mode” feature designed to reduce nighttime usage.