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Social media is the new addiction epidemic

On Behalf of | Jul 3, 2024 | Firm News |

Social media platforms are engaging and interactive, often using algorithms to keep users scrolling, liking, and sharing. These features can lead to excessive use, creating a cycle of dependency that can be difficult to break. This reality is particularly true for children and teens, whose brains are still developing and are more susceptible to addictive behaviors.

Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that social media companies were aware of the potential for addiction. Internal documents and whistleblower testimonies suggest that these companies understood the addictive nature of their platforms and the potential harm they could cause, particularly to young users. Despite this knowledge, they continued to optimize their platforms for engagement, often at the expense of user well-being.

Social media addiction and its consequences

Social media addiction can manifest in several ways, and it’s essential to recognize the symptoms:

  1. Eating disorders: Excessive exposure to images of idealized bodies and food can lead to unhealthy eating habits and disorders.
  2. Body dysmorphia: Social media platforms often highlight “perfect” bodies and appearances, which can cause users, especially impressionable young people, to develop a distorted self-image and dissatisfaction with their bodies.
  3. ADD/ADHD: The instant gratification and constant stream of new content on social media can contribute to shortened attention spans and difficulty focusing, which are symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
  4. Depression: Seeing others portray seemingly perfect lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, which can then potentially lead to depression.
  5. Anxiety: The pressure to maintain a particular image, keep up with others, or respond immediately to messages can cause significant stress.
  6. Suicide: In extreme cases, the mental health issues exacerbated by social media addiction, such as depression and anxiety, can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.

Legal claims and their viability

As of June 2024, there are hundreds of lawsuits, including 475 social media lawsuits pending in multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of California. More than 40 states are also suing Meta over social media harm to children and teens.

Holding social media companies responsible for addiction and subsequent harm is a complex issue. It involves proving that the platform knowingly designed its product to be addictive, that this addiction led directly to harm, and that the platform failed to provide adequate warnings or safeguards.

The right attorney will be crucial. They can help to gather evidence, including expert testimony and potentially internal documents from the social media company. They help navigate the legal system and advocate for clients in court. During an initial consultation, they can also advise on the likelihood of success and potential damages. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to social media addiction, it may be worth consulting with an attorney to explore your options.

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