Tech companies face lawsuits over social media addiction in minors

Major technology companies, including Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat, are facing thousands of lawsuits in the United States. Plaintiffs, including states, school districts, and parents, allege that these platforms were intentionally designed to foster addiction among children and teenagers. The lawsuits claim that specific algorithms and features contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and body image concerns.

While Meta has attempted to settle state lawsuits with a $17 billion agreement, an appeals court recently allowed thousands of other cases to proceed. In response to legal and social pressures, Meta has committed to limiting social media use for minors in the U.S. Similar age restrictions have been implemented in Australia and the United Kingdom, with the European Union also considering bans for users under 16.

Psychologists note that while bans aim to protect children, they may not address the underlying social drivers, such as the need for peer belonging. Experts warn that digital environments can expose children as young as 8 or 9 to inappropriate content and cyberbullying, which can blur the lines between digital and physical realities.