33 States Sue Meta and Instagram Over Hidden Mental Health Impacts on Teens
A coalition of 33 states has filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Instagram, over allegations that the social media platform has had detrimental effects on the mental health of teenagers. The bipartisan lawsuit, filed in federal district court in California, accuses Meta of knowing more about the negative impacts of Instagram on teenagers, including addiction, than it publicly acknowledged.
According to the 233-page complaint, Meta has deliberately focused on maximizing young users’ time and attention, creating a business model that disregards the mental and physical well-being of youth. The states argue that Meta’s actions constitute deceptive and unlawful conduct in violation of both state and federal laws.
In response to the lawsuit, a Meta spokesperson expressed the company’s commitment to providing safe experiences online for teens and families and highlighted the introduction of over 30 tools to support this mission. The spokesperson also expressed disappointment that the attorneys general of the states had chosen to pursue legal action.
Recent years have seen a surge in mental health issues among teenagers, including rising rates of depression and anxiety. In a joint declaration, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association declared youth mental health a national emergency. While experts believe that multiple factors contribute to the crisis, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has emphasized the role of social media, releasing an advisory on the impact of social media on youth mental health earlier this year.
The report by Murthy highlights the vulnerability of early adolescence, when young individuals are forming their identities and sense of self-worth. During this critical period, they are highly susceptible to social pressures, peer opinions, and comparison, making them particularly vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media.
The Pew Research Center reports that approximately half of teenagers use Instagram on a daily basis, with teenage girls more likely than boys to feel excluded while using the platform. Another concerning finding is that many teens across various social media platforms express a belief that they cannot take a break from social media. A Wall Street Journal investigation published in September 2021 indicated that Facebook, which owns Instagram, was aware of the negative impacts the platform had on girls but allegedly failed to adequately address the issue.
Meta and Instagram have made public efforts to present their platforms as safe and harmless. This apparent PR campaign includes assertions to lawmakers and the media that their platforms do not pose harm to teenagers. However, the states involved in the lawsuit argue that such claims are not only misleading but also dangerous.
The complaint filed by the states alleges that Meta intentionally created a false impression that its platforms are safe for young users and that the company prioritizes safety over user engagement. It is expected that additional states will file their own complaints.
As the lawsuit progresses, industry experts and policymakers will closely monitor the outcome. This case shines a light on the responsibility of social media companies to prioritize user safety, particularly when it comes to vulnerable populations such as teenagers. The mental health crisis among youth requires thoughtful action and cooperation between platforms, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure a healthier digital environment for the next generation.
