Dozens of US states have filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The states allege that Meta knowingly designed features on Instagram and Facebook intended to addict young users. They claim this harms children’s mental health and contributes to the youth mental health crisis.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, claims Meta exploited vulnerable teenagers and children for profit. In fact, it cites internal research showing Meta was aware of the potential for Instagram to exacerbate mental health issues like suicidal ideation, anxiety, and eating disorders among teen girls.
The suit accuses Meta of actively misleading the public about these dangers while consciously working to addict young users to its platforms, increasing engagement and revenue.
Why it matters: In total, 42 states have joined the investigation and lawsuit. This reflects a broad, bipartisan consensus on the harms to youth from social media addiction. The effort was led by attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont.
- Social media use is ubiquitous among American teenagers today, with some surveys finding up to 95% of teens ages 13-17 reporting using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Over a third say they use social media “almost constantly.”
- While social media platforms technically ban children under 13, children easily bypass these restrictions. They also override other protections, like time limits. The lawsuit alleges that Meta routinely collected personal data on children under age 13 without parental consent, violating federal children’s privacy law.
- Social media-fueled mental health issues in developing youth may have lifelong consequences. The nationwide lawsuit could force tech companies to take meaningful steps to protect their most vulnerable users.
