In a recent development, more than forty US states, representing both Democrats and Republicans, have filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, accusing them of causing harm to mental health and physical appearance of young users. This complaint marks the conclusion of two years of investigations into the “addictive” practices of the two platforms.
State attorneys general say Meta deliberately exploited powerful technologies to lure and entrap young people and adolescents, putting profits ahead of their well-being. They say the company covered up how its platforms manipulate vulnerable consumers and overlooked the harm caused to young Americans, both mentally and physically. This legal action stems from revelations made by a former Facebook employee, Frances Haugen, about the company’s internal practices and its lack of priority given to user safety.
Faced with these accusations, Meta expressed disappointment in the attorneys general’s decision to choose a legal route rather than work with the company to establish appropriate standards for apps used by teens. The group also highlighted that it has already implemented more than 30 tools aimed at supporting adolescents and their families, with the aim of providing safe and positive online experiences.
The complaint filed mentions that the features of Facebook and Instagram were designed to manipulate young users and encourage them to compulsively and prolonged use of the platforms. Additionally, Meta is accused of lying to the public by claiming its products are safe and suitable for adolescents, as well as violating children’s privacy laws.
This legal action highlights the significant impact of social networks on the mental health of young people. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, up to 95% of American youth aged 13 to 17 use a social network, with a third using it “almost constantly.” The Surgeon General of the United States, Vivek Murthy, also warned about the harmful effects of social networks on the mental health of young people, calling the situation a “national crisis”. Social media is linked to depressive symptoms, and young girls are particularly vulnerable to risks of cyberbullying and eating disorders.
This legal action represents a turning point in the fight to protect the mental health of young social media users. While the American Congress has not yet succeeded in putting in place adequate regulations to govern the technological giants, local elected officials, associations and families are mobilizing to demand stricter measures.. Some states have already passed laws requiring parental consent before granting minors access to social media platforms.
With this legal action, the states hope to force Meta to end its harmful practices and seek fines for reparations. It is about marking a clear limit and protecting children from the dangers of social networks. The issue of young people’s mental health remains a major topical subject, requiring attention and concerted intervention from public authorities and the companies concerned.