Meta, the parent company overseeing Facebook and Instagram, faces allegations of deceiving the public regarding the hazards of social media use and exacerbating a mental health crisis among young individuals. These accusations were articulated in a federal lawsuit announced by numerous US states. The lawsuit contends that the company employed addictive features to “entrap” users while obscuring the “significant risks” associated with its platforms. In response, Meta expressed its disappointment.
The lawsuit alleges that Meta violated consumer protection laws through “deceptive” conduct. Additionally, it accuses the company of collecting data on children under the age of 13, thereby violating its obligations under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of 33 attorneys general who endorsed the lawsuit, emphasized that social media companies, including Meta, have played a role in a national youth mental health crisis and asserted the need for accountability. Nine other states also filed similar claims in their respective lawsuits.
In response, a Meta spokesperson expressed disappointment and reiterated the company’s commitment to providing safe online experiences for teens, highlighting the introduction of over 30 tools to support teens and their families. The spokesperson criticized the approach taken by the attorneys general, suggesting that collaboration in establishing clear, age-appropriate standards for teen-focused apps would have been more productive.
Meta and other social media companies are already facing numerous lawsuits in the US related to the impact on mental health, with this action representing the largest to date. The lawsuit stems from a 2021 investigation into Meta’s practices following whistleblower Frances Haugen’s testimony that the company was aware of the harm its products could cause to children.
While Meta contests the assertion that Instagram is detrimental to teen girls’ mental health, there is conflicting research on the matter. The lawsuit seeks financial damages and a cessation of Meta’s alleged harmful practices, specifically mentioning features like likes, alerts, and filters that it claims contribute to young users’ body dysmorphia. The lawsuit also contends that Meta’s design choices exploit and contribute to young users’ susceptibility to addiction.
