Instagram sued over harm to young people’s mental health

LookCloser October 24, 2023 Instagram, Lawsuit, Mental health, Young people

In a federal lawsuit announced by multiple US states, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is being accused of misleading the public about the risks of using social media, particularly when it comes to young people’s mental health. The lawsuit claims that Meta used addictive features to engage and entrap users while hiding the “substantial dangers” of its platforms. These allegations include collecting data on children under the age of 13 in violation of privacy laws. This lawsuit marks the largest action taken against the company to date and highlights the ongoing concerns about the impact of social media on mental wellbeing.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

In a recent federal lawsuit, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been accused of misleading the public about the risks of using social media and its contribution to a mental health crisis among youth. The lawsuit, announced by numerous US states, alleges that Meta used addictive features to “ensnare” users while concealing the “substantial dangers” of its platforms. In response, Meta expressed disappointment and contested the claims made against them. This comprehensive article will explore the background of the case, the specific claims made in the lawsuit, Meta’s response, existing lawsuits against the company, research on the mental health impact of social media, and the sought damages and changes.

Background

Meta accused of misleading the public

According to the federal lawsuit filed against Meta, the company has been accused of misleading the public by downplaying the risks associated with social media use, particularly among young people. The lawsuit claims that Meta used addictive features to keep users engaged while failing to adequately disclose the potential harm that can result from excessive social media use. These allegations raise significant concerns about the company’s practices and their impact on users’ mental health.

Social media’s impact on youth mental health

The lawsuit asserts that social media, including platforms like Facebook and Instagram, has contributed to a mental health crisis among young people. It argues that the addictive nature of these platforms and the constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic content can negatively affect users’ mental well-being. The potential harm caused by social media use is a growing concern, particularly among younger demographics who are more susceptible to its influence.

Prior investigations into Meta’s practices

Before the recent lawsuit, several state prosecutors conducted investigations into Meta’s practices. These investigations were initiated following the testimony of whistleblower Frances Haugen, who claimed that the company was aware of the harm its products could cause to children. The findings of these investigations likely contributed to the decision to file the lawsuit against Meta.

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The Lawsuit

Claims of deceptive conduct

The federal lawsuit accuses Meta of engaging in deceptive conduct and breaking consumer protection laws. It alleges that the company failed to adequately disclose the potential dangers associated with social media use, particularly in relation to young people. By using addictive features, Meta purportedly enticed users to spend excessive amounts of time on their platforms, which can lead to negative mental health outcomes.

Violation of Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act

One of the specific claims made in the lawsuit is that Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The company is accused of collecting data on children under the age of 13 without complying with the privacy regulations outlined in COPPA. This violation raises concerns about the company’s commitment to safeguarding the privacy of its young users and complying with existing laws.

Involvement of attorney generals

The federal lawsuit was announced by multiple attorney generals from different states. Thirty-three attorney generals signed the lawsuit, highlighting the widespread concern about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. The involvement of attorney generals signifies the legal gravity of the allegations against Meta and the importance of addressing these issues.

Similar claims by other states

In addition to the federal lawsuit, nine states have filed their own lawsuits against Meta, making similar allegations about the company’s practices and its contribution to the youth mental health crisis. The collective legal action demonstrates the sustained concern among various states about the impact of social media on mental health and the need for accountability from Meta.

Response from Meta

Commitment to teens’ safety

Meta, in response to the lawsuits, publicly expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of teenagers on its platforms. The company stated that it has introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families and that it shares the attorneys general’s commitment to providing safe and positive online experiences for teenagers. Meta’s response suggests that the company acknowledges the importance of addressing the concerns raised by the lawsuits and is actively working towards implementing measures to mitigate potential harm.

Disappointment in attorneys general

While Meta acknowledged the commitment to teens’ safety expressed by the attorneys general involved in the lawsuits, the company expressed disappointment in their decision to pursue legal action instead of collaborating with industry companies to establish clear standards for age-appropriate online experiences. Meta’s disappointment suggests a desire for cooperation and collaboration in finding solutions to the issues raised in the lawsuits.

Contestation of claims

Meta also contested the claims made in the lawsuits, particularly regarding the impact of Instagram on teen girls’ mental health. The company argued that it is not accurate to label Instagram as “toxic” for teen girls, citing research that suggests the platform can be helpful to teenagers in difficult moments. This contestation highlights a potential divergence in perspectives regarding the effects of social media on mental health and emphasizes the complexity of the issue at hand.

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Existing Lawsuits

Numerous lawsuits on mental health impact

Prior to the recent lawsuits, Meta and other social media companies were already facing a significant number of lawsuits related to the impact of social media on mental health. These lawsuits, filed by families, young people, and school districts, demonstrate the widespread concern and demand for accountability regarding the potential harm caused by excessive social media use, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Biggest action to date

The federal lawsuit and the parallel lawsuits filed by multiple states represent the most significant legal action taken against Meta to date regarding the issue of mental health impact. This collective legal action underscores the gravity of the concerns raised and signals a pivotal moment in holding social media companies accountable for their potential role in the mental health crisis among young people.

Investigation into Meta’s practices

Prior to the lawsuits, state prosecutors conducted investigations into Meta’s practices. These investigations sought to evaluate the company’s knowledge of the potential harm caused by its products and the extent to which it took measures to address this harm. The findings of these investigations likely informed the legal actions taken against Meta by the attorney generals and played a crucial role in building the case against the company.

Research on Mental Health Impact

Contested impact of Instagram

The impact of Instagram on mental health, particularly among young people, is a topic of contention. While Meta contests the claims made in the lawsuits and argues that Instagram can be helpful to teenagers in difficult moments, there is a body of research that suggests otherwise. This discrepancy illustrates the need for comprehensive research on social media’s impact and underscores the importance of examining multiple perspectives to gain a clearer understanding.

Studies linking social media to psychological harm

Several studies have found a link between excessive social media use and psychological harm, particularly among young people. These studies highlight the potential negative impact of prolonged exposure to curated content, unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying, and other social media-related factors on mental well-being. The research provides critical insights into the relationship between social media and mental health outcomes, emphasizing the need to address potential risks and implement safeguards.

Coroner’s conclusion on negative effects of online content

In the UK, a coroner investigating the death of Molly Russell concluded that the schoolgirl died while suffering from the “negative effects of online content.” This determination reinforces concerns about the potential harm caused by online content and underscores the need for responsible content moderation and user protection measures. The coroner’s conclusion adds weight to the legal and ethical considerations associated with social media platforms and their impact on mental health.

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Seeking Damages and Change

Request for financial damages

The lawsuits filed against Meta seek financial damages, highlighting the desire for accountability and recompense for the alleged harm caused by the company’s practices. By seeking financial damages, the attorney generals and states involved aim to impose consequences on Meta and deter similar practices in the future while compensating those affected.

Demand for halt to harmful practices

In addition to seeking financial damages, the lawsuits also demand a halt to Meta’s alleged harmful practices. This demand aligns with the broader goal of ensuring user safety and well-being on social media platforms. By calling for an end to harmful practices, the lawsuits emphasize the necessity of responsible conduct and ethical standards in the digital sphere.

Redacted portions of the lawsuit

Large portions of the lawsuits, particularly those specifying the alleged harmful practices of Meta, have been redacted from the public eye. This redaction likely reflects the sensitive nature of the information and the ongoing legal proceedings. While the redacted portions limit public access, they underscore the seriousness of the accusations against Meta and the need for thorough examination within the legal framework.

Highlighted Features

Likes, alerts, and filters

The lawsuit specifically highlights certain features of social media platforms, such as likes, alerts, and filters, as potentially harmful to users’ mental health. These features are presented as known contributors to body dysmorphia and addictive tendencies among young people. The highlighting of these features underscores the need for careful consideration of design and functionality choices in social media platforms to mitigate potential harm.

Promotion of body dysmorphia

Another key aspect mentioned in the lawsuit is the alleged promotion of body dysmorphia by social media platforms. Body dysmorphia refers to the excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance, often leading to negative mental health outcomes. The lawsuit argues that certain features and content on social media contribute to users’ body dysmorphia, raising important concerns about the potential impact on self-esteem and body image.

Susceptibility to addiction

The lawsuits against Meta also suggest that social media platforms exploit and contribute to users’ susceptibility to addiction. The constant availability of notifications, updates, and curated content can create an environment conducive to addictive behaviors, particularly among young people. By drawing attention to users’ susceptibility to addiction, the lawsuits highlight the need for responsible platform design and user protection measures.

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Conclusion

The recent lawsuits against Meta shed light on the ongoing debate about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. The allegations made in the lawsuits raise concerns about the potential harm caused by social media platforms and the responsibility of companies like Meta to mitigate these risks. The lawsuits seek financial damages and a halt to harmful practices, highlighting the desire for accountability and change. The findings of research on the mental health impact of social media provide important insights into the potential risks and underscore the need for comprehensive measures to protect users. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial to continue examining the complex relationship between social media and mental health and work towards creating a safer online environment for young people.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67207829?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Instagram sued over harm to young people’s mental health

Introduction