Social media addiction has become a growing concern, with numerous lawsuits alleging that major platforms have knowingly designed their products to be addictive, particularly harming young users. Many social media platforms are at the center of these legal battles, accused of exploiting psychological vulnerabilities to keep users hooked and leading to social media addiction claims.
Meta, Snapchat, and Others Sued for Social Media Addiction
Platforms like Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram), Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube have all faced lawsuits regarding social media harm and addiction in recent years.
Many of these lawsuits claim that social media companies use algorithms and features — such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and push notifications — to maximize engagement at the expense of users’ mental health.
Dr. Ashwini Nadkarni, a board-certified psychiatrist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, told KEYT News Channel 3, “When we think about addiction, we define it as uncontrollable use of a substance despite the negative consequences.”
“Excess social media usage is associated with increased stimulation of our reward pathways, and those, when excessively stimulated, can take on the form of an addiction.”
Studies cited in these cases suggest a link between excessive social media use and issues like anxiety, depression, and even self-harm, especially among teenagers.
In fact, Nadkarni cited a study of about 7,000 adolescents, ages 12 to 15, that found using social media for more than three hours a day was associated with twice the risk of depression.
“It’s mood disorders, issues with self-esteem, and also compulsive usage,” she told the local Southern California outlet.
Potentially Dangerous or “Addictive” Features of Social Media
Snapchat’s “streaks” feature and TikTok’s highly personalized content have been criticized for fostering compulsive use, and are just a few examples of features that could potentially lead to alleged social media addiction.
Additionally, internal documents from Facebook, now known as Meta, have previously revealed that the company knew Instagram was pushing girls to dangerous content, according to CBS News. This may have led to an overall negative impact on the mental health of teen girls being presented with that content.
Now, some lawsuits are arguing that social media companies should be held accountable for their role in perpetuating addiction or social media harm. Many lawsuits seek compensation for emotional distress, medical expenses, and other damages, while others aim to force platforms to change their practices.
Pursuing a Social Media Addiction Claim
As these cases unfold, they highlight the need for greater transparency and regulation in the tech industry. If you or a loved one has been affected by social media addiction, consulting with a legal professional can help you understand your rights and options. The team at Phillips Law Group may be able to help, and you can contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
Social media may connect us, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our mental health. Call 602-222-2222 to learn more about pursuing a potential social media addiction claim now.
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