The purpose of this Options Brief is to provide the Members of the European Parliament with policy options for the prevention and mitigation of the negative effects of internet use on society. This brief is associated with the STOA study on ‘Harmful internet use – Part 2: ‘Impact on culture and society'. The study focuses on eight specific harmful effects associated with internet use: internet addiction, information overload, harm to social relationships, harm to cognitive development, harm to public/private boundaries, harmful effects on knowledge and belief, harm to communities, and harm to democracy and democratic citizenships. These effects can be categorised as harmful to individuals, to social structures and institutions, and to equality and social inclusion.