Promoting health, producing harm? the health promotion paradox in youth-facing digital platforms
1
1 Digital Transformations for Health Lab, Geneva, Switzerland
2
2 School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A916
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
with over 520 million internet users in Africa and a youth population exceeding 60%, digital technology companies (DTCs) increasingly shape young people's health behaviours and outcomes. Youths engage with digital platforms to access services (including healthcare) and resources for daily living, yet these tools can either promote or undermine their health and well-being, depending on company policies. This study aimed to assess health promotion policies of selected Africa-based DTCs and highlight key policy strengths and gaps.
METHODS:
this two-phased study involved a desk-based policy review conducted between July and August 2024. Of 134 Africa-based DTCs identified through grey literature and professional networks, 53 underwent landscape analysis, and a purposive sample of 15 (representing West, East, North, and Southern Africa) underwent detailed content analysis. Health promotion policies were reviewed and scored using a structured framework examining stated health-promoting practices, use of disclaimers and liability clauses, and the extent to which youth-specific risks were acknowledged or addressed.
RESULTS:
two DTC categories were analysed: digital health platforms (n=10) and non-health platforms with health-related impacts, including money lending, sports betting, and social networking (n=5). Policy comprehensiveness and transparency varied: one company scored “weak,” three “fair,” six “moderate,” and five “strong.” Strong platforms demonstrated proactive measures such as provider vetting, mental health support, content moderation and educational resources. However, some relied on disclaimers, including indemnification and user-responsibility clauses, limiting accountability for user harm. Engagement-based incentives were sometimes framed as health-promoting without safeguards addressing potential harms such as technostress, excessive screen time or mental strain.
CONCLUSIONS:
findings suggest a health promotion paradox in youth-facing digital platforms, where commitments to promoting health coexist with policies insufficiently safeguarding young users. For public health systems leveraging digital platforms, addressing this requires clearer standards, youth-sensitive governance and stronger alignment between health promotion objectives and harm-prevention strategies.
with over 520 million internet users in Africa and a youth population exceeding 60%, digital technology companies (DTCs) increasingly shape young people's health behaviours and outcomes. Youths engage with digital platforms to access services (including healthcare) and resources for daily living, yet these tools can either promote or undermine their health and well-being, depending on company policies. This study aimed to assess health promotion policies of selected Africa-based DTCs and highlight key policy strengths and gaps.
METHODS:
this two-phased study involved a desk-based policy review conducted between July and August 2024. Of 134 Africa-based DTCs identified through grey literature and professional networks, 53 underwent landscape analysis, and a purposive sample of 15 (representing West, East, North, and Southern Africa) underwent detailed content analysis. Health promotion policies were reviewed and scored using a structured framework examining stated health-promoting practices, use of disclaimers and liability clauses, and the extent to which youth-specific risks were acknowledged or addressed.
RESULTS:
two DTC categories were analysed: digital health platforms (n=10) and non-health platforms with health-related impacts, including money lending, sports betting, and social networking (n=5). Policy comprehensiveness and transparency varied: one company scored “weak,” three “fair,” six “moderate,” and five “strong.” Strong platforms demonstrated proactive measures such as provider vetting, mental health support, content moderation and educational resources. However, some relied on disclaimers, including indemnification and user-responsibility clauses, limiting accountability for user harm. Engagement-based incentives were sometimes framed as health-promoting without safeguards addressing potential harms such as technostress, excessive screen time or mental strain.
CONCLUSIONS:
findings suggest a health promotion paradox in youth-facing digital platforms, where commitments to promoting health coexist with policies insufficiently safeguarding young users. For public health systems leveraging digital platforms, addressing this requires clearer standards, youth-sensitive governance and stronger alignment between health promotion objectives and harm-prevention strategies.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
