Instagram Lawsuit: Instagram Mental Health Lawsuit Guide & Updates
Key Takeaways:
- Instagram and Mental Health: This article discusses the lawsuits against Instagram and its parent company, Meta, for their alleged role in the mental health crisis, particularly among young users. Instagram is accused of exacerbating mental health problems and eating disorders.
- Instagram Addiction: This article defines Instagram addiction as a condition where an individual feels compelled to use the platform excessively, leading to distress or interference with daily life. This excessive use can lead to numerous negative consequences, including body image problems, eating disorders, and other mental health disorders.
- Joining the Instagram Lawsuit: This article provides information on who may qualify for the lawsuit against Instagram. This includes young people who developed mental health issues as a result of using Instagram and parents or guardians of children under the age of 18 who have experienced negative mental health effects or committed suicide as a result of using Meta products.
On this page we’ll discuss the ongoing Instagram Lawsuit, updates we have on the Instagram Mental Health Lawsuit, how social media seriously harms your mental health, the benefits of deleting social media for mental health, and much more!
Introduction to Instagram Mental Health Lawsuit
Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have become increasingly popular, particularly among young users.
However, the wave of social media seems to have caused a significant swell in mental health problems and even deaths, causing many to wonder if the costs outweigh the benefits.
Now, Instagram and Meta, its parent company, are being sued for their part in the mental health crisis.
Table of Contents
Lawsuit Updates
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July 24, 2024 Update:
The lawsuit for teens and young adults who have suffered mentally from social media use and addiction is ongoing, and our lawyers are accepting new clients.
A federal judge has dismissed a claim from a tech industry group’s lawsuit challenging Utah’s social media regulations.
The group, NetChoice, argued that Utah’s prohibitions on certain features for minors’ social media accounts were preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
- Judge’s Ruling: U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby ruled that Section 230 does not preempt Utah’s law since it regulates the design features of social media platforms, not the content.
- Features Targeted: The law prohibits autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, and push notifications on minors’ accounts, aiming to mitigate the mental health impact on youth.
- Regulation Validity: The judge emphasized that Utah’s law targets the conduct of social media platforms, not the dissemination of third-party content.
Utah State lawmakers, including Rep. Jordan Teuscher, praised the decision as a significant victory in protecting minors from social media harms.
Additionally, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office has published three proposed rules detailing how a new law aimed at keeping children off social media platforms will be implemented.
This law, which takes effect on January 1, 2024, also aims to block minors from accessing online pornography.
The law seeks to prevent children under 16 from opening social media accounts.
Platforms must verify parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to use social media.
Reasonable verification methods include requesting parental contact details and confirming their identity through commercially reasonable means.
The proposed rules could lead to hearings before finalization. Similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges.
Florida’s approach may set a precedent for how states regulate minors’ use of social media and access to online content.
Contact TruLawsuit Info for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.
Social media companies like Facebook (Meta), Instagram, TikTok (ByteDance), and others have evaded responsibility for putting teen mental health at risk, and lawsuits are being filed to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.
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July 9, 2024 Update:
Several Long Island school districts are suing TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, claiming these platforms are “addictive and dangerous,” and contribute to mental health issues among young students.
This lawsuit follows U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for warning labels on social media due to their links to significant mental health harms in adolescents.
Eleven school districts report that social media has caused financial and resource strains, leading to the need for on-site mental health professionals.
Nicholas Ciappetta, President of the South Huntington Board of Education, stated that disruptive social media posts have significantly affected the school environment.
William Shinoff, a California lawyer representing about 1,000 school districts nationwide, noted that over two dozen other Long Island districts plan to file similar lawsuits.
In response, a Google spokesperson denied the allegations against YouTube, emphasizing their efforts to create safer, healthier experiences for young users.
A Snapchat representative also acknowledged ongoing efforts to enhance safety and support for adolescents on their platform.
If you or a loved one has been negatively affected by mental health problems related to social media use, contact TruLawsuit Info for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.
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July 1, 2024 Update:
The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit is ongoing.
The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit involves claims that excessive social media use has led to significant mental health issues, especially among teens and young adults.
In June, there were 475 Social Media Mental Health lawsuit filings.
By July, this number increased to 499, reflecting growing concerns about social media’s impact on mental health.
Excessive social media use can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders by fostering unrealistic comparisons, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviors.
A recent federal lawsuit against TikTok also highlights concerns about children’s privacy and psychological impact, contributing to the rise in filings.
The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit seeks to hold social media companies accountable.
If you or a loved one has been negatively affected by mental health problems related to social media use, contact TruLawsuit Info for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.
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June 21, 2024 Update:
June 27, 2024
New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella announced a lawsuit against TikTok Inc., alleging violations of the state’s consumer protection act.
The lawsuit, filed in Merrimack Superior Court, claims that TikTok engages in unfair and deceptive practices by designing an addictive product and misleading consumers about its safety.
The lawsuit highlights that TikTok’s platform uses features that exploit young users’ ongoing brain development, resulting in excessive use and potential harm, such as depression and anxiety.
TikTok is also accused of violating children’s privacy by collecting and using their personal data without proper consent.
In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission settled a similar complaint against TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly, for nearly $6 million.
Additionally, the European Commission is investigating TikTok for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act, which addresses risks to minors’ mental and physical health.
The New Hampshire lawsuit follows a similar complaint filed by AG Formella against Meta Platforms in October 2023, alleging manipulative design features and deceptive practices on Facebook and Instagram.
The lawsuit ties TikTok’s popularity to increasing mental health issues among New Hampshire teens, citing a significant rise in depression and suicide rates among high school students since TikTok’s launch in 2017.
The complaint claims TikTok’s addictive design alters the brain chemistry of young users and that the company has downplayed the risks while touting ineffective safety measures.
If you or someone close to you has experienced mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other health issues due to excessive use of social media, you may have grounds to seek compensation through a lawsuit.
To find out if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit, use the chatbot on this page for an immediate assessment.
June 21, 2024The Instagram and TikTok lawsuit is ongoing and our lawyers are accepting new clients.
Almost 500 lawsuits have been filed against leading social media companies, including Meta, Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, YouTube LLC, Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and ByteDance Inc.
These lawsuits allege that the platforms are intentionally designed to boost user engagement, which in turn causes addiction and severe mental health issues in teenagers.
The plaintiffs, which include parents, school districts, and state attorneys general, accuse these companies of disregarding the negative effects on youth.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has been appointed to manage these cases, all of which have been centralized in the Northern District of California.
The inaugural bellwether trial for the Social Media Addiction Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) is scheduled to start on October 25, 2025.
The selection of bellwether cases is expected by February 6, 2025.
These bellwether trials are crucial as they provide an initial glimpse into how juries may respond to the evidence and testimonies, significantly influencing the resolution of other cases within the litigation.
Thirty-five states have entered the lawsuit, seeking redress for the mental health costs linked to social media addiction.
If the use of social media platforms has adversely affected you or someone close to you, seeking legal advice may help in understanding your rights and possible next steps.
For a confidential, free evaluation of your case, utilize the chatbot on this website to immediately check if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit.
June 17, 2024
The Instagram and TikTok lawsuit is ongoing and our lawyers are accepting new clients.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is advocating for Congress to mandate health warning labels on social media platforms to address the mental health challenges faced by youth.
Murthy underscores the severe risks such as increased anxiety and depression that are associated with extensive social media use, pushing for initiatives to boost user awareness and protection.
His proposed legislation would require platforms like Meta, X/Twitter, TikTok, and Snap to incorporate digital warning labels that highlight the potential negative impacts on mental health, particularly targeting adolescents who are most at risk.
Additionally, Murthy urges that the legislation should compel social media companies to publicly disclose all data related to health impacts and allow independent scientists to analyze this data objectively.
He compares the proposed warnings to those on tobacco products, suggesting that similar measures on social media could promote more informed choices among users.
Murthy proposes that these warnings could appear as pop-up messages, akin to cookie notifications, or within app descriptions in digital stores.
The specifics of how these regulations would be enforced and adhered to are currently under discussion. It is also yet to be decided which platforms would fall under the ‘social media’ category according to the new rules.
This effort is part of a broader scrutiny of social media platforms, including regulatory hearings and debates over a potential TikTok ban.
If the use of social media platforms has adversely affected you or someone close to you, seeking legal advice may help in understanding your rights and possible next steps.
For a confidential, free evaluation of your case, utilize the chatbot on this website to immediately check if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit.
June 10, 2024
The Instagram and TikTok lawsuit is ongoing and our lawyers are accepting new clients.
On June 9, 2024, the New York State Legislature enacted two critical bills aimed at regulating the use of social media by minors.
The first bill, the SAFE (Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation) for Kids Act, mandates parental consent for minors under 18 to access “addictive” social media feeds.
This legislation specifically addresses platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, which utilize algorithms that foster extended user engagement at the expense of their well-being.
Proponents of the bill reference a Harvard University study that found the six largest social media platforms earned $11 billion by targeting advertisements at minors.
They also highlight research that connects social media addiction to heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among young people.
The second piece of legislation, the New York Child Data Protection Act, prohibits websites from collecting, selling, or sharing the personal data of minors without informed consent.
Specifically, for children under 13, this consent must be obtained directly from a parent, with civil penalties reaching up to $5,000 per incident for non-compliance.
Meanwhile, a new law requiring age verification on digital platforms will take effect in Mississippi on July 1.
Although it passed with unanimous support from the state legislature and aims to protect children from inappropriate content, the law is facing resistance and legal challenges from tech companies due to concerns over its extensive implications for content moderation and privacy.
Similar regulatory efforts have been introduced in Utah, Arkansas, and Texas.
If the use of social media platforms has adversely affected you or someone close to you, seeking legal advice may help in understanding your rights and possible next steps.
For a confidential, free evaluation of your case, utilize the chatbot on this website to immediately check if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit.
June 4, 2024
The Instagram and TikTok lawsuit is ongoing and our lawyers are accepting new clients.
On June 3, 2024, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform enables the sexual exploitation of children through its live streaming features.
The lawsuit claims TikTok Live allows children to engage in illicit acts on camera in exchange for payments, with inadequate age verification measures.
Despite TikTok’s rule that users must be at least 18 to host live streams, the complaint states the platform has been aware of these issues since December 2023.
TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes defended the platform, stating it has strong policies to protect teens and revokes access to features for accounts that do not meet age requirements.
This is the second lawsuit filed by Utah’s attorney general against TikTok for allegedly endangering children, with a previous lawsuit accusing the app of harming young users’ mental health.
The new lawsuit claims TikTok failed to address the misuse of its live feature despite being aware of the issue.
Utah’s attorney general is seeking a jury trial.
This lawsuit adds to the growing legal pressure on TikTok, which is also facing a potential ban in the U.S. following a law signed by President Joe Biden.
If the use of social media platforms has adversely affected you or someone close to you, seeking legal advice may help in understanding your rights and possible next steps.
For a confidential, free evaluation of your case, utilize the chatbot on this website to immediately check if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit.
June 3, 2024
This month saw the addition of 20 new cases to the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 3047), bringing the total number of pending cases to 475, according to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).
These cases contend that platforms like TikTok have developed algorithms that increase young users’ exposure to damaging content, thereby exacerbating mental health issues and promoting addictive behaviors, without adequately protecting users.
If you or someone you know has been affected by mental health issues related to social media usage, you might be eligible to file a claim.
Several states, school districts, and local governments are taking legal action against major social media companies:
- The Mayor of New York City has filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging that it has fueled the crisis in youth mental health.
- The Muscogee County School District is now part of the multidistrict litigation, arguing that social media content is impeding students’ ability to learn effectively in the classroom.
- The state of Utah has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the platform sexually exploits young individuals.
- Nebraska has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the platform targets minors with addictive design features.
If you or someone close to you has experienced mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other health issues due to excessive use of social media, you may have grounds to seek compensation through a lawsuit.
To find out if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit, use the chatbot on this page for an immediate assessment.
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May 22, 2024 Update:
May 22, 2024
The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing.
The state of Nebraska has sued TikTok and its parent entity, ByteDance, alleging that the platform intentionally designs features that addict minors, contributing to the escalating crisis in youth mental health.
Attorney General Mike Hilgers of Nebraska claims that TikTok’s algorithms deliberately expose children to content promoting eating disorders, substance misuse, and sexually inappropriate behavior.
Nebraska argues that TikTok falsely markets itself as a safe, “family-friendly” environment for young users.
Filed in state court, the complaint details findings from an investigation where fictitious accounts for users aged 13, 15, and 17 quickly received recommendations for content that breaches TikTok’s own Community Guidelines.
These guidelines are supposed to prevent exposure to content that endangers the safety of minors.
The investigation further illustrates the disconnect between TikTok’s publicly promoted user safety initiatives and the actual risks presented to minors through their ‘For You’ feed.
This automatic feature fills user feeds with potentially harmful videos without any need for the user to search actively.
This lawsuit is part of larger litigation facing TikTok.
These lawsuits include a federal suit driven by recent U.S. laws that require TikTok to disconnect from ByteDance, within a year.
Over 30 states and the federal government have imposed bans on TikTok on state- or government-owned devices.
TikTok denies these allegations, asserting that it has implemented leading safety measures for teenagers.
These features include restricted features by age, comprehensive parental controls, and a 60-minute daily usage limit for users under 18.
TikTok commits to further enhancing these measures to tackle the ongoing concerns about the safety and privacy of young users in the industry.
If you or someone close to you has suffered mental health issues linked to social media use, you may have grounds for a claim.
Contact us for a complimentary consultation, or utilize the chatbot on this page to immediately verify your eligibility for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit.
May 13, 2024
The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit is entering a critical stage in both federal and California state courts. A forthcoming Case Management Conference (CMC) will establish the criteria for selecting representatives from the plaintiffs.
By June 24th, 24 plaintiffs are set to be chosen, with the deadline for individual fact discovery set for December 6th.
The number of plaintiffs will subsequently be condensed to 10-12 for the expert discovery phase, with final expert assessments anticipated by the end of 2025.
Concurrently, the California Superior Court, under Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl, is assessing the impact of social media on student behaviors in a case closely linked to the main lawsuit.
This case involves several school districts claiming that platforms such as Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and Google LLC have negatively affected educational environments.
These platforms are alleged to necessitate more stringent disciplinary measures and more robust communication protocols due to their addictive designs, which are purported to exacerbate student issues like depression and anxiety.
The case is further complicated by incidents of significant property damage in schools, attributed to trends fueled by social media algorithms.
During oral arguments, the focus was on differentiating the direct harm caused by specific content and the broader behavioral influences driven by the platforms’ algorithms.
The school districts are contesting the shield provided by Section 230 federal liability protections, arguing that it should not cover external influences like social media in educational claims.
The ongoing debate in the legal arena questions whether the deliberate design of these platforms promotes addiction among youths, which would implicate social media companies in the responsibility to mitigate adverse effects on young users’ mental health and education.
For those impacted or contemplating legal recourse concerning the effects of social media addiction on education, our firm provides private consultations.
Reach out today or interact with our chatbot to check your eligibility for participating in the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit.
May 1, 2024
The Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation is currently active, with 455 lawsuits on record as per the recent updates from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).
This past month, 16 additional cases were incorporated into the MDL.
The lawsuits contend that certain social media platforms have played a role in exacerbating mental health issues among users, particularly adolescents and young adults, by encouraging addictive behaviors and inadequately protecting users from damaging content.
The legal actions also assert that these platforms were cognizant of the negative impacts of their services but failed to adequately mitigate them.
If you or someone you know has suffered from mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other health complications due to extensive social media use, you may be eligible to seek compensation through legal action.
For a free, confidential consultation, please contact our law firm.
You can also instantly determine your eligibility for the Social Media Lawsuit by using the chatbot on this page.
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April 22, 2024 Update:
The Social Media Lawsuit is progressing as more individuals and families impacted by the negative effects of these platforms pursue legal action.
In a particularly tragic case, a 16-year-old from Arkansas ended his life after being exposed to a series of TikTok videos that promoted suicide and self-harm.
This incident is among a large group of lawsuits now part of multidistrict litigation (MDL), alleging that TikTok and similar social media platforms have developed algorithms that potentially heighten young users’ exposure to harmful content.
The family of the Arkansas teenager has filed a lawsuit claiming that TikTok’s algorithm deliberately served him content that was both dangerous and inappropriate, which played a role in his decision to commit suicide.
The attorneys for the teen’s family contend that the design of TikTok’s platform is fundamentally defective, making it an “unreasonably dangerous product” for young people.
They argue that the algorithm greatly increased the teen’s interaction with detrimental content, which directly influenced his tragic actions.
Amidst these legal battles, there is an increasing push from parents and legal experts to reexamine Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which has historically shielded platforms like TikTok from liability for user-generated content.
Additionally, a recent study has shown a rise in hospitalizations and emergency room visits for suicide attempts and ideation among children and teens from 2016 to 2021, underscoring a worrying trend in youth mental health and prompting questions about the influence of social media.
The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit seeks to underscore the dangers of unchecked content recommendations and advocate for reforms to avert further tragedies.
If you or someone close to you has suffered mental health issues linked to social media use, you may have grounds for a claim.
Contact us for a complimentary consultation, or utilize the chatbot on this page to immediately verify your eligibility for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit.
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April 16, 2024 Update:
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has successfully secured the dismissal of several lawsuits that attempted to hold him personally accountable for the alleged addictive nature of the social media platforms under his management.
These dismissals are part of a broader legal context that encompasses hundreds of lawsuits against major tech companies such as Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap.
Although Zuckerberg has been excused from these particular cases, the extensive litigation concerning claims that these platforms are designed to be addictively appealing to children continues.
District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, based in Oakland, California, ruled in favor of Zuckerberg, finding that the plaintiffs were unable to prove he had a direct duty to protect users.
The court emphasized that corporate law often protects executives from personal liability, especially in larger companies where decisions are made collectively.
The allegations against Zuckerberg included ignoring internal warnings about the safety of Facebook and Instagram for children and publicly claiming the platforms were safe.
However, Zuckerberg’s legal team countered that his statements were either too general to warrant liability or shielded by the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.
This legal development unfolds against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny over the impact of social media on the mental health of young people.
In recent years, various organizations ranging from school districts to state governments have filed lawsuits against social media entities, blaming them for contributing to a mental health crisis among the youth.
Despite Zuckerberg’s removal from these lawsuits, the ongoing legal battles continue to address issues of addiction and other mental health effects on young users.
These lawsuits, involving significant tech entities like Meta, Instagram, Snap, TikTok, and Google, have been amalgamated into multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Our law firm is actively accepting new clients for the Social Media Lawsuit.
Reach out to us for a complimentary consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to instantly check your eligibility for the Social Media Lawsuit.
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April 1, 2024 Update:
Discussions on the impact of social media on mental health are escalating.
The latest updates from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) show that there are currently 439 active lawsuits in the realm of Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation.
These legal actions contend that major social media entities have crafted platforms that potentially deteriorate mental health, particularly in adolescents.
The suits highlight how the design, algorithms, and governing policies of these platforms contribute to addiction, lower self-esteem, and provoke anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
This issue spotlights the duty of social media companies to ensure the mental health of their users and underscores the call for more rigorous regulations and supervision of the industry.
If the use of social media platforms has adversely affected you or someone close to you, seeking legal advice may help in understanding your rights and possible next steps.
For a confidential, free evaluation of your case, utilize the chatbot on this website to immediately check if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit.
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March 21, 2024 Update:
The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit continues to unfold.
The number and variety of lawsuits filed against social media companies are expanding, with individuals pursuing legal action against key platforms for numerous concerns and grievances.
Our legal firm is actively enrolling new clients for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit, amidst increasing scrutiny faced by these corporations from various quarters.
A judge in New York state has permitted a wrongful death lawsuit to move forward against social media entities, such as Meta, Alphabet, Reddit, and 4chan, for their role in the radicalization of the individual behind the mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, in 2022.
The court rejected the platforms’ request to dismiss the case, recognizing claims that the platforms played a part in the shooter’s radicalization with dangerous ideologies via their algorithms designed to drive engagement.
The judge stated that these major media companies benefit from the violent content on their platforms, which serves to boost user engagement.
Additionally, in Tennessee, over 30 public school districts have initiated a lawsuit against social media platforms.
Numerous public schools throughout the U.S. have brought forward similar legal actions against these companies, with some of the largest school districts in the state now participating.
This lawsuit seeks to increase accountability and improve access to vital resources aimed at protecting children, tackling the lack of adequate protective, monitoring, and control measures on social media platforms.
These legal proceedings highlight the escalating concerns about the effects of social media on user mental health and, in some cases, its role in increasing societal violence.
If you or someone close to you has suffered mental health issues due to social media usage, you might have grounds for a claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation or utilize the ChatBot on this page for immediate feedback.
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March 1, 2024 Update:
The ongoing Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit has grown to encompass 410 cases as of March, with eleven new cases filed within the last month.
In February, 399 Social Media Lawsuits were consolidated in the MDL.
This increase reflects widespread concern about social media’s impact on the mental well-being of young individuals.
The litigation targets companies like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, accusing them of contributing to mental health problems through neglect and manipulative tactics.
Individuals affected by these issues are encouraged to seek legal guidance and may qualify to join the lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been affected by Social Media companies, contact us today for a free consultation or use the ChatBot on this page.
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February 20, 2024 Update:
On February 14th, The state of New York made headlines by beginning legal action against major social media platforms, alleging their contribution to the youth mental health crisis.
The lawsuit accuses these companies of negligence, asserting they played a part in supporting the mental health challenges faced by young people.
The state calls upon these companies to amend their practices and provide just compensation for the threat to mental health they’ve purportedly fostered.
This legal move comes shortly after the State Health Commissioner issued an advisory, likening unrestricted social media access to a public health danger.
The advisory recommends limiting social media engagement until children reach the age of 14 years, and offers guidance to parents and educators on safeguarding children from harm.
Mayor Adams pointed out the detrimental impact of social media platforms on children’s mental well-being, highlighting how the constant stream of harmful content has contributed to a national crisis in mental health.
Corporation Counsel Hinds-Radix criticized the prioritization of profit over children’s welfare by these media giants, alleging they intentionally designed platforms with addictive features to maximize financial profits.
Dr. Vasan, the commissioner for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), drew a comparison between social media and environmental toxins such as lead or air pollution.
This lawsuit is just the beginning of legal recourse against social media companies as concerns over their impact on society continue to grow.
What is Instagram being accused of?
Platforms like Instagram are being accused of exacerbating mental health problems and eating disorders.
Last year, The Wall Street Journal published information on The Facebook Files, documents released by a former company employee detailing the link between body image problems and teenage users.
Among many other things, Instagram is accused of prioritizing engagement statistics over its users’ well-being and knowing their platform’s impact on mental health but not doing anything to mitigate the negative effects.
It’s not just The Wall Street Journal that’s investigating Instagram’s impact on mental health.
In 2018 the BBC ran a piece detailing how the app can be “addictive,” and later that same year, Forbes claimed it might be worse than cigarette addiction.
Is there a class action lawsuit against Instagram?
There have recently been a few class action lawsuits against Instagram, in particular, the case against the embedding feature.
This involved two photographers who sued Instagram in 2021.
They did this on behalf of any users who found that their uploaded content had been embedded elsewhere without their consent.
They claimed that, among other things, it facilitated third-party access to user data and allowed them to commit copyright infringement.
However, the lawsuits related to mental health are directed more generally at Meta, the owner of various social media companies, including Instagram.
The Instagram mental health lawsuit filed against Meta is a class action lawsuit that seeks to hold the company liable for the mental health effects that its platform can have on users.
It also claims that the company violated California law by failing to protect minors from the negative effects of its platform.
In 2022, two families of girls who have eating disorders sued the company, saying that its Instagram platform led to mental health issues in teenage users in particular.
These are the most recent lawsuits that were filed in San Francisco.
The families have hired Laura Marquez-Garrett of the Social Media Victims Law Center to represent them.
The lawsuit alleges that Instagram caused the girls to become addicted, leading to various mental health issues, including eating disorders like anorexia.
These conditions resulted in suicide attempts and various hospitalizations.
What is Instagram addiction?
Instagram addiction can be defined as a condition whereby an individual feels compelled to use the social media platform excessively, to the point that it causes them distress or interferes with their daily life.
The excessive use of Instagram can lead to numerous negative consequences.
In extreme cases, social media addiction can lead to body image problems, eating disorders, and other mental health disorders.
This especially affects teenage users, who often contribute the most time spent on social media.
This addiction involves not being able to stop scrolling, comparing oneself to others, feeling FOMO, obsessive behaviors and other mental health problems that can take over one’s life.
It is important to note that addiction is a serious mental health issue and should not be taken lightly, leading to many taking some form of legal action against Instagram.
How safe is Instagram?
Although the platform is generally considered safe for adult Instagram users, young users are at a higher risk of developing addiction and other mental health issues.
This is due to the fact that social media can be very damaging to young people who are still developing mentally and emotionally.
Additionally, the constant onslaught of images and messages can be overwhelming for young users, leading them to develop depression and more.
Other highly concerning safety aspects is the prevalence of sexual messages and content from people trying to exploit young girls.
This can lead to young girls developing a distorted view of body image and sexuality and has even led to attempted suicide by a high amount of teen girls.
Is Instagram a problem for teenage users?
The influx of mental health and social media lawsuits shows that Instagram is certainly a problem for teenage users, as it can lead to a number of negative consequences.
Mental health lawsuits against Instagram allege that the platform contributes to self-harm, suicide, anorexia, sleep deprivation, abuse, depression, and many other mental health issues.
These Instagram lawsuits also claim that the platform is deliberately designed to be addictive and uses algorithms that exploit vulnerabilities in young people and young adults, particularly those who have fragile mental health.
While it is difficult to know the true extent of the damage that Instagram causes, there are certainly a number of teenagers and young adults who have been significantly affected by the platform.
Does Instagram affect self-esteem?
Instagram does affect self-esteem and self-worth, especially among teen Instagram users.
While adult Instagram users may be able to distinguish false lifestyle portrayals from reality, teen users are still developing their sense of self and may believe the images they see on Instagram represent what life should be like.
This has led to massive issues relating to teen girls and their body image and has made it easier to exploit young girls on the platform who are highly susceptible to negative thinking about themselves.
Body image issues in teenage girls and boys result from constantly seeing images of perfectly-crafted lives and bodies on the platform, along with filters that make users look even more idealized.
This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and extremely low-self worth, to the point of suicide attempts in some cases.
How can you join the Instagram lawsuit?
You may qualify for this lawsuit if you are a young person who developed mental health issues as a result of using Instagram.
Qualifying conditions for the Instagram Lawsuit include, but are not limited to:
- Eating disorders like binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia
- Depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Suicidal ideation
- Cutting or self-harm
- Attempted suicide
If you are the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18 who has experienced negative mental health effects or committed suicide as a result of using Meta products, you may also be eligible to join this lawsuit.
You’ll likely receive compensation for potential damages, such as economic and non-economic losses, as a result of your mental health issues.
In this case, damages could include medical bills, emotional suffering, therapy costs and more.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify to take part, use our chatbot below for a free case evaluation.
The Instagram mental health lawsuit could set a precedent for other social media companies that are being accused of similar things, and if successful, could result in significant compensation for those who have been affected.
It could also lead to more regulation around the way social media platforms are designed and operated.
If you believe you or your child may have a case, be sure to speak with a qualified attorney today.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you sue Instagram for emotional distress?
Yes, you can sue Instagram for emotional distress, although this may be hard to do.
If you’ve experienced damage to your reputation and emotional distress as a direct result of false and defamatory statements made about you on Instagram, you may be able to file a defamation lawsuit.
If you plan to file a defamation lawsuit, you may be able to seek financial compensation or punitive damages from the platform.
Complaints for defamation must typically be filed within one year of the date when the offensive material was published.
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Can Instagram be good for mental health?
Many adult Instagram users claim that the platform can benefit mental health by allowing them to stay connected with friends, share photos and experiences, and receive positive feedback.
Meta has taken steps to address mental health concerns, including sharing resources for people with eating disorders.
In 2021, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified before Congress on user safety for the first time and claimed that he was dedicated to protecting users.
The company committed to releasing new parental controls in March 2022, testing different types of feeds (including a chronological one) and introducing an age verification process for users under 13 years old.
Nevertheless, Instagram usage among teens still presents a host of issues, from low-self worth, a variety of eating disorders, anxiety, and many other mental health problems.
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Does social media, in general, have a correlation to mental health problems?
Excessive and imbalanced social media usage can negatively affect mental health.
Vulnerable teens are by far the most at risk for developing problems relating to social media.
Alongside eating disorders, self-harm, depression and anxiety, social media platforms such as Instagram are said to facilitate sexual messages, cyber-bullying, and a general sense of comparison among users.
Research suggests that spending extended periods on social media can lead to feelings of social isolation, FOMO (fear of missing out), and anxiety.
An increasing amount of girls attempted suicide after being cyber-bullied on Instagram, seeing images of “perfect” body types, and being shown excessive material relating to self-harm and suicide.
As a result, many recent lawsuits are about teen girls and the serious impact social media has had on their lives and their families.
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Which mental health issues has Instagram been linked to?
With plaintiffs claiming that Instagram caused them or their children to develop body image issues, worse self-esteem, an eating disorder, and other mental health problems, the list of mental health issues that the app has been linked to is long.
Some of the more commonly mentioned disorders include:
Anxiety
For some, scrolling through the app can trigger feelings of anxiety, while for others, the perfectionism often portrayed through curated posts can lead to worries about their own life and appearance.
Depression
Depression is one of the most commonly mentioned mental health disorders concerning Instagram.
The comparison culture that is often associated with the app, as well as feelings of loneliness and isolation, can lead to users feeling down.
Body dysmorphia
For those who already suffer from body dysmorphia or are prone to developing it, Instagram can be a dangerous place due to the constant stream of images that show unrealistic or photo-shopped standards of beauty.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders among teenage users are also common, with the app often being blamed for promoting an “unhealthy” or “perfect” body type.
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Is there a class action lawsuit against Facebook?
There is a class action against Meta, the company that owns Instagram and Facebook, for not doing enough to protect the mental health of its users and contributing to mental health issues.
The lawsuit against Meta alleging harm to younger users was a result of using Meta social media products.
They claim Meta knew about its products’ risks to users’ mental health but did nothing about the potentially harmful content for teen users.
The plaintiffs argue that Meta’s negligence has contributed to their or their children’s mental health issues, including anxiety, addiction, and even suicide.
What’s more, it’s suggested that Meta products mimic addictive substances and are intentionally created to make social media use addictive for users.
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