In a significant legal development, 40 US states have jointly initiated a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company overseeing Facebook and Instagram.
The lawsuit contends that Meta is implicated in contributing to various mental health concerns, notably depression, especially among the younger demographic, through its social media platforms.
The legal complaint asserts that Meta intentionally downplayed the associated risks of using social media for its financial gain, alleging the exploitation of young users in the process.
Meta stands accused of implementing a business model that encourages excessive screen time among young individuals, potentially jeopardizing their mental well-being.
The legal proceedings shed light on the potential adverse effects of youth interaction with Meta’s social media platforms, encompassing issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, disruptions in education, and disturbances in daily life.
This legal action is grounded in Meta’s own research, which reportedly revealed the company’s awareness of the detrimental impact of Instagram on young users, particularly teenage girls.