State of Nevada Suing Several Major Social Media Companies for their “Intentionally-Designed” Addictive Nature
On January 31st, 2024 ABC News reported that the Nevada Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against several major social media companies, including Facebook & Instagram (Meta), TikTok, and Snapchat. The complaint compares the social media platforms to a drug and contends that the companies should be held responsible for the damage caused to young people because they “intentionally designed” their product to be addictive. Here, our New Jersey social media addiction attorney provides a more detailed overview of the allegations raised by Nevada in its lawsuit.
The Complaint: Nevada Alleges Big Companies Created “Addiction Machine”
Aaron D. Ford, the Attorney General of the State of Nevada, has filed a first-of-its-kind state-based lawsuit against five major social media platforms: TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Notably, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger are all owned and operated by Meta. The complaint alleges that these social media companies knowingly created algorithms designed to addict young users and exploit teenagers’ vulnerabilities. The lawsuit also contends that these platforms have significant teen user bases—including users below the legal age cutoff of 13—and that those young users have suffered serious, tangible harm.
Social Media Addiction Linked to Serious Mental Health Problems in Kids and Teens
Research shows that social media addiction in teenagers has been linked to serious mental health problems. Kids and younger teens (14, 15, and 16) are especially susceptible to harm. Here are some of the specific concerns related to social media addiction:
- Depression: The constant comparison with others and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Studies have shown a correlation between high social media use and increased rates of depression.
- Anxiety: Social media platforms often foster an environment of constant social scrutiny and comparison. The fear of missing out (FOMO) on events or interactions can exacerbate feelings of anxiety,
- Sleep Deprivation: Excessive use of social media can significantly impact sleep quality and duration among young users. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Eating Disorders: Social media platforms are rife with images and messages that can influence body image and eating behaviors. Constant exposure to idealized body types and diet culture can contribute to unhealthy body image perceptions and disordered eating.
- Suicidal Ideation: Alarmingly, the negative impact of social media on mental health can extend to suicidal thoughts and behaviors—especially in users who are already vulnerable. Tragically, social media has been cited as a factor in the suicide of teens in many cases in the United States and around the world.
Contact Our Top-Tier Social Media Addiction Lawyers Today
At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, our social media addiction attorneys help parents and families hold big companies accountable for the harm caused to children and teenagers. Call us now or contact us online to set up your confidential initial appointment. From our offices in Monmouth County and Manhattan, we handle social media addiction cases in New Jersey and New York.
Source:
abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/nevada-attorney-general-launches-lawsuits-social-media-firms-106847796
