Social Media Companies Face Lawsuits Over Alleged Mental Health Harms to Users
Social media giants Meta, YouTube, Snap Inc, and TikTok are facing lawsuits alleging that their platforms have caused significant mental health issues among young users. The lawsuits claim that these platforms have contributed to addiction, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and even suicide. While Snap and TikTok have settled a case brought by a plaintiff known as KGM, Meta and YouTube are preparing for trial. The plaintiffs argue that the platforms use techniques similar to those employed by the gambling and tobacco industries to keep users engaged. Experts, however, debate whether social media can be classified as addictive, with some preferring terms like 'problematic use.' The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that while social media can be harmful, it also offers benefits such as information sharing and connection. 
