Social Media Addiction Lawsuit : Harm Of Facebook Meta Lawsuit

Filing a Lawsuit Over Adolescent Social Media Addiction

“Teens told us that they don’t like how much time they spend on the app, but feel like they must be present…They often feel ‘addicted’ and know that what they’re seeing is bad for their mental health but feel unable to stop themselves.”
– Internal Research by Facebook & Instagram
Derived from a Wall Street Journal Investigation

In 2016, Facebook (Meta) was able to instruct its employees to work on attracting more teenagers to its platform, as per a former Instagram executive.

Over 40 percent of Instagram’s American users are younger or less, with 22 million teens using Instagram every day in the U.S., compared to just 5 million on Facebook.

Unfortunately, a few of the most severe mental health risks and addiction were explicitly linked to Instagram more than any other social media platform.

Although TikTok is more grounded in the performance aspect and Snapchat concentrates on filters and facial expressions specifically, Instagram places far more emphasis on a person’s overall body and lifestyle, which is more likely to invite untrue comparisons and expectations.

Despite collecting data on its apps and their effects on teenagers for years, Facebook (Meta) has been doing everything in its power to keep this research from legislators and the general public — while downplaying the dangers to mental health and making little or attempt to address the root problems.

To get justice and make these social media giants accountable, Many have taken to the court system to file lawsuits against social media addiction to seek compensation for the psychological and physical damage that their children and parents have suffered due to the addiction.

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Class Action MDL Created for Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

November 2, 2023, Numerous firms, as well as attorneys, are seeking leadership roles for a multidistrict federal lawsuit (MDL) located in California, which aims for representation of school districts as well as local governments in lawsuits against tech companies who are alleged to have hurt youngsters’ mental health. Legal professionals have submitted applications highlighting their experiences and previous involvement in similar M.D.L.s that dealt with public health concerns.

They call for dedicated legal representation to deal with the unique legal issues and remedies sought by government and educational entities as distinct from personal injury lawsuits. The petitioners stress the importance of a planned organizational structure to effectively prosecute these cases, as some are already representing large school districts and local authorities preparing to bring or contemplate lawsuits within the MDL.

January 2, 2023 It, was the JPML ruled last week that all outstanding cases involving allegations of teenage dependence on social networks will be combined into an action class MDL within the Northern District of California. There are, at present, around 80 cases pending before federal court. The lawsuits claim they believe that the platforms of social media can be toxic for teens, leading teens to end up hurting themselves. The MDL class action MDL will cover the cases of addiction to social media against every defendant, although 70% of the cases involve Meta.

October 13, 2022, In light of the increasing number of cases involving social media addiction filed throughout the state, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation agreed yesterday to consolidate all claims to the brand new “class action” MDL. It is now called the MDL (In the matter of Social Adolescent Addiction to Media/Personal Injury Prod. Liab. Lit. – MDL No. 304) and is transferred to the Northern District of California, in which the majority of the defendants’ H.Q. is located.

The JMPL Initial Transfer Order consolidates the pending cases 28 in 17 different judiciary districts. The centralization of a vast array of issues related to an MDL is often the initial step toward a global settlement. It is usually done in mass tort cases involving product liability.

The legal cases involving social media addiction include new and distinctive lawful claims, which will likely be a sinking or swimming collectively, depending on whether the plaintiffs can provide sufficient scientific evidence to prevent dismissal preemptively. The MDL class action will aid those affected by allowing different plaintiffs to pool their resources and provide the most effective possible professional opinions.

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Teens are Especially Vulnerable to the Dangers of Social Media Addiction

The results of scientific research show that our brains are growing during the adolescence stage. Teenage brains aren’t fully developed in the areas associated with risk evaluation, emotional control, and impulse control. The algorithms used by large social networks purposefully use insufficiently developed dynamic and impulse management in the minds of young users.

When teenagers receive “likes” on social media, they trigger that their brains release euphoria-inducing dopamine. However, when the dopamine release occurs, their joy is offset by dejection. The brains of minor users adjust by cutting down or “downregulating” the number of dopamine receptors being stimulated. In typical instances of stimuli that are positive, your brain shifts back to normal after a brief period of slack. However, social media algorithms are specifically designed to exploit the users’ natural inclination to combat dejection by returning to the place of pleasure to get another euphoria.

Ultimately, as the pattern is repeated for a long time, the neural baseline that triggers the teen users’ dopamine levels increases. Teens continue to make use of Facebook Ins, Instagram, and other social media platforms, but not for pleasure; however, they do it to be able to feel normal. Suppose teens try to cut off their use of social media. In that case, they will experience the typical effects of withdrawal due to any substance that is addictive, like anxiety, irritability, sleepiness, and desire.

The use of social media for addiction for minors can be psychologically as well as neurologically similar to addiction to gaming disorders. Gaming addiction is acknowledged as a mental disorder and is recognized by health authorities such as the World Health Organization and other public health organizations.

Social Media Companies Profit From Teen Addictions

The profits and revenues generated through social media platforms are linked to users’ time on the website. More time spent by users is a sign of more profit.

This is why social media firms continuously change their technologies to increase user engagement, making the platform more appealing to vulnerable teenage users.

In October 2021, previous Facebook (Meta) employees presented evidence to Congress that the social media giant’s executives made business and marketing choices that put teenagers at risk. The former employee informed Congress that Facebook knew its platforms had detrimental effects on teenagers.

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Social Media Companies May Claim Legal Immunity

Under 47 U.S.C. SS 220, websites are protected from liability for posts made by third-party websites. The law was the topic of intense political debates in recent months when social media companies were scrutinized for not taking down what users deemed “harmful” material or “disinformation.” The extent of the immunity granted under SS 223 is currently under consideration for an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The law could apply to addiction lawsuits. While SS 230 gives platforms like Facebook immunity from damage caused by content shared with them by their users, it doesn’t confer immunity against the harm caused by their algorithms and technology; that is the case being accused by the lawsuits against addiction.

Will Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Be Successful?

The lawsuits aimed at holding social media companies accountable for the harm caused by the use of their platforms are undoubtedly distinct and, in many ways, unheard of. None of these cases has been tried or settled. These cases differ slightly from tort claims, and the plaintiffs will likely face an uphill fight in various areas.

One of the significant issues for the social media addiction lawsuits will be proving causality. First, plaintiffs must scientifically demonstrate that there was physical dependence on the social media platform. Some studies have been conducted on this; however, it’s not clear whether they’ll be able to pass the academic scrutiny needed for a court to accept them.

Suppose the plaintiffs can demonstrate that they had an addiction to a social media site. In that case, however, they must also be able to show it was “more likely than not” to be the reason for the physical injury suffered by the teenager. In the case of suicide, this could be extremely complicated because addiction to social media is likely to be only one of the many contributing factors.

How to File a Social Media Lawsuit for Addiction

We at The Justice Now know that parents of children who might be addicted to social media or experiencing mental health issues can make filing the right lawsuit seem overwhelming or too much; however, that’s where we step into.

Choose to work with our addiction to social media lawyers. We’ll take care of every aspect of the process and allow you to concentrate on the most important things to your and your family’s health and overall well-being.

This procedure can generally comprise your social media attorney and legal team.

You need to confirm whether you’re qualified to bring legal action.
Finding the necessary evidence to support your case and strengthen your argument
Making the lawsuit involving social media addiction within the legal deadlines
Social media settlements being negotiated with defendants
The pursuit of a verdict in an in-court trial

Who Can File a Social Media Harm Lawsuit?

You could be able to start a lawsuit for addiction to social media If either you or your kid

You may be addicted to social networks (like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok)
Suffered psychological or physical harm because of the addiction
You were younger than 25 at the time that the obsession began.

You can get help in determining your eligibility to receive a free case review. Call us at 530-201-4340 and complete the form on this page for a complimentary review of your case.

Social Media Addiction and Mental Health Effects in Teens

Some of the negative side consequences of addiction to social media for teens and children are:

Anxiety
A body disfigurement (a condition of the body that can lead to anxiety about self-perceived physical imperfections or flaws)
Depression
Focusing is difficult
Eating disorders
Accidents or even deaths result from TikTok challenges.
Trouble sleeping or insomnia
Self-esteem is low.
Self-harm
Sexual exploitation
Suicidal ideas and suicide

What makes these adverse consequences particularly alarming is the way the various issues feed off one another, which puts teenagers in danger of developing a variety of possible serious problems.

Through social or cyberbullying, Teens can easily be sassy about themselves and experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This can turn into something more severe like an eating disorder, self-harm, or suicide.

“For certain individuals, it may be tempting to think that this is teens feeling sad. However, we’re talking about clinical depression that needs treatment. Self-harm is a problem that can result in people being taken to the ER.”
– Dr. Jean Twenge, Academic Researcher & Professor of Psychology

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Potential Settlement Value of Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

It’s too early to be able to tell with any degree or certainty the value of settlements from the lawsuits involving addiction to social media. As of now, it’s impossible to know if one of the lawsuits will succeed. To help us understand, however, we can speculate about what these cases could be worth if they are successful.

Social media addiction lawsuits involving teens who commit suicide will have the highest settlement value. A claim for wrongful death that consists of a teen with their entire life ahead of them will generally have a value of $1.5-$5 million, depending on the specific circumstances. Certain suicide cases involving wrongful death might be worth more.

The lawsuits involving social media addiction that involve less severe injuries like self-mutilation or eating disorders would be of a lower value.

Social Media Settlements & Verdicts

A lawsuit over addiction to social media could be the cause of any of these types of payment:

Social Media Settlements: Your legal team and defendants might be able to reach an agreement on the amount of compensation required to settle your dispute without a trial, which is referred to as a settlement through social media.
Trial Verdicts If a settlement with social media isn’t reached, your matter could be referred to trial in a courtroom where a judge or jury will determine the financial outcomes of an award.

Contact Us About a Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

If your kid or you have suffered physical injuries of a severe nature because of the use of social media, call our lawyers now to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Get Help Filing a Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

Companies shouldn’t be able to target vulnerable groups such as teens and children by offering products that aren’t secure. This is also true for social media platforms.

As a leading national legal firm for personal injuries, The Justice Now is proud to stand up and stand up to corporations such as this on behalf of our clients.

If you and your children experience mental health issues caused by social media addiction, You may be able to:

Make social media companies accountable for their unjust practices and damage.
It might prevent other teens from getting addicted to social media.
In pursuing compensation, you can help with the costs associated with treatments.
Find justice for your loved ones if these devious methods victimize you.

FAQs on Facebook Meta Lawsuit Cases

Who can sue over addiction to social media?

A1. In general, you might be legally able to sue companies that operate social media if you or a loved one suffers physical or mental injuries as a result of the addiction or compulsion to use social media.

Review your case for free now to know more about your options.

Do you know if a class action lawsuit was brought against social media companies over addiction?

A2. Yes. More than 80 addiction lawsuits against TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media giants have been put together in an all-encompassing multidistrict legal (MDL). However, 75% of cases mention only Facebook and Instagram as the defendants.

There’s still time to be involved in the MDL or class action lawsuits if you or someone you love has had an addiction to social networks. Start today by requesting a no-cost case review.

Who are the participants in the social media suit for addiction?

A3. There are currently lawsuits pending in the case of Meta (Instagram along with Facebook), Snap (Snapchat), ByteDance (TikTok), and Google (YouTube) in connection with problems involving addiction in adolescents.

What is the cost that lawyers for lawsuits involving social media cost?

A4. In The Justice Now, our social media lawyers do not charge per-hour fees. Our team is only paid when we collect compensation on behalf of you.

So, there’s no need to worry about financial risks or obstacles in pursuing legal actions. There is a chance to gain from filing legal action through The Justice Now.

How can you tell whether you're addicted to social networks?

A5. Many times, those who have an addiction to social media may be concerned that their use of apps might not be safe. However, it’s challenging to be specific, so many search for proof.

The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) was created to assist social media users in discerning when they might be suffering from signs of addiction.

The BSMAS provides the following six points and asks users to rate the frequency with which they have experienced it on a scale from 1 to 5 (with one being the most rare and five being exceptionally often):

You’ll spend much time contemplating social media or planning ways to use it.
You’re tempted to engage in social media regularly.
You make use of social media to get rid of personal issues.
You’ve tried cutting the usage of social media but without success.
You may feel anxious or stressed when you cannot engage in social media.
You are on social media in such a way that it has hurt your studies or job.

If you score 4, 5, or more on at minimum four of the questions can indicate the presence of social media addiction.

My child is obsessed with social media. What do I do?

A6. If your child is obsessed with social media, what’s essential is seeking assistance and taking the necessary measures to keep an eye on the issue and stop what you can.

It is possible to try:

Limiting how long, or even when they can use social media
Monitor your teenager’s social media accounts and observe the content they share
Encourage social interactions in person as well
Schedule some time to speak with a therapist or counselor

If your child has suffered psychological or physical injuries as a result of social media addiction, The Justice Now may also be able to aid.

Our team is working alongside families throughout the United States to bring lawsuits against social media addiction and hold companies such as Facebook as well as Instagram accountable for their targeting of teens.

Find out if you’re in a case today, free. Speaking to our staff is free, and we’re available anytime.

Are social media making self-harm a lot more common for teenagers?

A7. In some cases, yes. Through social media, kids and teenagers are continuously provided with a stream of the best moments from everyone and beautiful images. This results in what’s known as social comparisons.

Adolescents can compare themselves with what they see and discover their lives lacking in a particular way, which could lead others to blame themselves for not being like others or having the same success as those they see on their feeds.

The feeling that they aren’t adequate or not just as good as their family and friends or the celebrities they see on their feeds may cause people to experience depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem.

In time, this may result in self-harm among teens or suicidal ideas, as well as suicide.

Does addiction to social media influence suicide in teens or suicidal ideas?

A8. The use of social media is linked to a rise in suicide and depression, particularly among teens. According to leaks of internal Facebook documents, 6 percent of teenage females in the U.S. could trace their suicidal thoughts to Instagram specifically.

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