Lawsuits allege social media algorithms designed to addict children, causing mental health harm
Parents and teenagers sued Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube in Los Angeles, alleging the platforms were intentionally designed to addict children and cause mental health harms including depression, eating disorders, and self-harm. The lawsuits involve around 1,600 plaintiffs and mark an expected series of major proceedings against social media companies.
What happened
A large group of parents and teenagers in the United States filed lawsuits against Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube in Los Angeles court. Plaintiffs allege that the technology companies intentionally designed their platforms to create addiction in children and youth.
Around 1600 plaintiffs are involved in the proceedings, including over 350 families and 250 school districts. The first trial concerns a 19-year-old woman identified as KGM in court documents, who claims she developed mental health problems in early childhood due to addiction to social media applications.
Reported impact
Plaintiffs allege that after young users develop addiction to social networks, they become more vulnerable to depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and other mental health problems.
Index analysis
YouTube spokesperson Jose Castaneda stated that the allegations were "simply false" and said the company has developed age-appropriate services and policies as well as parental control tools to provide a "safer and healthier experience for young people."
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.