Launched as a prototype in its Android app, the new feature has been designed to boost user experience in a bid to limit mindless scrolling.

It shows users how many minutes they have spent per day on the app for the last seven days and will enable them to set self-imposed time limits which they will be notified of upon reaching.

Confirming development of the feature to TechCrunch, a Facebook spokesperson explained that the team is “always working on new ways to help make sure people’s time on Facebook is well spent”.

It will also enable users to switch off their notifications for specific features, such as new posts and direct messages.

Similar tools are also allegedly being trialled for Instagram, with one Twitter user sharing screenshots of the photo-sharing platform’s “Manage your time” feature.

The introduction of such features come after concerns regarding technology addiction have surged, with the NHS revealing plans to fund a centre in London to aid those addicted to video games, social media and online porn.

Some of Silicon Valley’s most prolific figures have also recently confessed to designing social media features specifically in order to make them more addictive.

Former Facebook president Sean Parker revealed that the platform’s “like” button was created to give users a hit of dopamine and confessed to creating something addictive that he knew would exploit “a vulnerability in human psychology”.

Apple recently announced it is taking measures to help combat smartphone addiction via its new new Screen Time feature that will send iPhone and iPad users weekly reports revealing how often they are using their device.

Parents will also be able to limit app usage on their children’s phones via the service.

The new iOS 12 software will also feature a “bedtime” mode that will enable users to hide notifications and darken screens while they sleep.

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