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Credit: John Edelson/EAFP via Getty Images
Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, is facing a massive legal challenge from 41 states and the District of Columbia over its alleged role in harming the mental health of young users on its Instagram and Facebook platforms. The lawsuits, filed on Tuesday, accuse Meta of designing addictive features that exploit the vulnerabilities of children and teens while misleading the public about the risks of its products.
How Meta harms young users
According to the complaints, Meta has used powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage and ultimately ensnare young users on its platforms. Some of these features include:
- The infinite scroll, which keeps users hooked by constantly refreshing new content.
- The like button, which triggers dopamine releases in the brain and creates a need for social validation.
- The explore tab, which exposes users to curated content that may not reflect their interests or values.
- The stories feature, which encourages users to share ephemeral moments and creates a fear of missing out.
The lawsuits allege that Meta has known for years that these features have negative impacts on the mental health of young users, especially girls. Meta’s own internal research has shown that Instagram can worsen body image issues, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among some teen girls. However, Meta has failed to disclose this information to the public or take adequate steps to protect its young users from harm.
Why 41 states are suing Meta
The 41 states and the District of Columbia are suing Meta for violating various consumer protection laws and endangering the welfare of children. The lawsuits seek a variety of remedies, including:
- Substantial civil penalties for each violation of the law.
- An injunction to stop Meta from engaging in deceptive and unfair practices.
- A comprehensive audit of Meta’s platforms to identify and eliminate harmful features.
- A requirement for Meta to obtain parental consent before collecting or using personal data from children under 13.
- A creation of a fund to support research and education on the effects of social media on youth mental health.
The lawsuits represent the most significant effort by state enforcers to rein in social media’s impact on children’s mental health. They also add to the mounting pressure on Meta from regulators, lawmakers, activists, and investors to address its social responsibility and accountability issues.
What this means for you
If you are a parent or a guardian of a young user on Instagram or Facebook, you may want to pay attention to these lawsuits and their outcomes. They could affect how Meta operates its platforms and how it treats its young users. You may also want to take some proactive steps to protect your child’s mental health, such as:
- Having open and honest conversations with your child about their social media use and how it makes them feel.
- Setting limits and boundaries on when and how long your child can use social media.
- Encouraging your child to engage in other activities that promote their well-being, such as hobbies, sports, or spending time with friends and family.
- Seeking professional help if you notice any signs of distress or mental health issues in your child.
Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting, learning, and expressing oneself. But it can also pose serious risks for young users who may not be fully aware of its potential harms. As a responsible tech user, you should be informed and vigilant about these issues and take action when needed.
