Online social networking and social media platforms have been linked to negative mental health effects and severe mental health problems in teenagers and young adults. Lawsuits are being filed against Facebook (Meta), TikTok, and other social media companies for the potential mental health issues experienced by these users.
The litigation is still in its early stages, and no settlements have been made in these Social Media Harm Lawsuits yet. However, our attorneys estimate that potential settlements could range from $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on the specifics of each claim and the progress of the litigation. These estimates are projections and not guarantees of financial compensation. They are based on factors such as the severity of mental health problems, the potential for suicidal ideation, and comparisons to other mass tort lawsuit settlements.
If your child has suffered from mental health problems induced by social media use, you may be eligible to file a Social Media Harm Lawsuit and seek financial compensation. Contact National Injury Help for a free consultation. Our attorneys are actively investigating the impact of social media on the mental health of teenagers and young adults.
We understand the delicate nature of these cases and are committed to representing you with sensitivity and a progressive approach. Contact our attorneys for more information on the Social Media Harm Lawsuit and to determine if you qualify to take legal action.
Social Media Companies Facing Lawsuits for Teen and Young Adult Mental Health Issues
Parents have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of social media on the mental health of teens and young adults, especially teen girls. These platforms have been linked to various mental health issues, including eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, cyberbullying has led to increased cases of depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm among young users.
Since the first social media addiction lawsuits were filed, hundreds of families have joined the legal battle against social media companies like Meta. These lawsuits aim to hold Facebook and other social media giants accountable for:
- Causing mental health issues in young users.
- Failing to monitor and address harmful content.
- Deliberately designing platforms to foster social media addiction.
If you or a loved one has developed mental health problems due to chronic and excessive social media use, you may be eligible to file a social media harm lawsuit and seek financial compensation. Contact National Injury Help for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to instantly determine if you qualify to take legal action.
Social Media Companies Are Aware of the Harmful Impacts of Their Platforms
In 2021, former Meta data engineer and Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents to the Wall Street Journal, revealing that Facebook was fully aware of the negative mental health effects of its platforms. These documents confirmed widespread suspicions and highlighted Facebook’s failure to protect its young users from mental health problems.
Key findings from the leaked documents include:
- 66% of teen girls on Instagram experience negative social comparisons.
- 52% of teen girls who experienced negative social comparison on Instagram attributed it to beauty-related images.
- 32% of teen girls reported that Instagram made them feel worse when they felt bad about their bodies.
- Harm on Instagram falls into three major categories: social comparison, social pressure, and negative interactions with others.
- 82% of teens have experienced at least one emotional issue in the past month, with one in five considering suicide or self-injury.
- The blurred boundary between social media and in-person relationships negatively impacts self-esteem and overall mental health.
- Teens blame Instagram for increased rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- Teenage users who struggle with mental health report that Instagram exacerbates their issues, with the platform’s negative impacts outweighing its positive aspects.
- Young people use Instagram and other social media platforms at extremely high rates. The lack of guidance and safeguards for young users puts them at risk of consuming harmful content, leading to significant mental health challenges.
Social Media’s Effects on Youth Mental Health: Q&A
Q: How does social media usage impact the mental health of young adults and teenagers, especially teen girls?
A: Young adults and teenagers, particularly teen girls, may be vulnerable to the detrimental effects of social media. As more young users report mental health concerns, the emotional toll caused by platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other Meta-owned platforms becomes evident.
Q: What mental health issues are experienced by young people due to social media?
A: Some of the mental health issues include:
- Eating disorders, body image issues, and social comparison
- Self-esteem issues
- Social media addiction
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal ideation and self-harm
Q: How does social media contribute to eating disorders and body image issues?
A: Eating disorders can result from chronic social media usage, especially when users are exposed to influencers promoting unhealthy eating patterns or certain body types. This can lead to negative comparisons and unhealthy eating behaviors. For example, young women who see edited images of thin models may restrict their food intake to achieve a similar figure. A 2017 study found that a majority of women who developed orthorexia and anorexia nervosa spent more than three hours a day on Instagram.
Q: In what ways does social media affect self-esteem?
A: Social media platforms are breeding grounds for social comparison, with users often presenting their highlight reels and seemingly perfect lives. Vulnerable users may continually measure themselves against these unrealistic standards, leading to plummeting self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Q: What is social media addiction, and how does it manifest?
A: Social media is designed to encourage user engagement and retention through a constant stream of new content, notifications, and likes, which can lead to a dopamine-driven addiction. Individuals may compulsively check their feeds and seek validation, becoming preoccupied with social media to alleviate feelings of anxiety and boredom. This addiction can decrease productivity, disrupt sleep patterns, and make it difficult to disconnect from the virtual world. In 2022, the Pew Research Center found that 53% of teens aged 14 to 17 couldn’t decrease their use of social media.
Q: How does social media contribute to depression?
A: Depression may develop due to the lack of quality social connections on social media platforms. These connections are often less quality than real-life interactions, leading to chronic dissatisfaction and a craving for more online connections. This constant craving for validation and approval can result in feelings of sadness, isolation, and boredom, contributing to depression.
Q: What role does social media play in causing anxiety?
A: Anxiety can result from social comparison, as users constantly need to keep up with their peers and influencers. This can lead to anxiety about not living up to the ideals perpetuated on these platforms and exacerbate self-doubt and worry. If left unaddressed, these feelings can contribute to anxiety about one’s self-worth.
Q: How is extended social media use linked to suicide, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm?
A: Extended use of social media has been linked to poor mental health and increased suicidal thoughts among young users. The compounded emotional distress from issues like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can push vulnerable users toward suicidal ideation. Exposure to harmful or triggering content on these platforms can further exacerbate these thoughts, potentially leading to severe consequences.
How an Experienced Lawyer Can Help You: Q&A
Q: Why do you need an experienced lawyer for a social media mental health lawsuit?
A: A case like the social media mental health lawsuit requires expert legal counsel and representation. An experienced attorney can advocate for your best interests and maximize your potential settlement.
Q: How can an attorney help you recover the settlement amount you deserve?
A: Attorneys can assist by providing:
- Comprehensive case evaluation
- Determining and establishing liability
- Building your case with relevant evidence
- Calculating and assessing damages and losses
- Negotiating on your behalf
Q: How does an attorney conduct a case evaluation?
A: An attorney can quickly inform you if you have a legitimate case by evaluating your situation and the harm social media has caused your child. They can then guide you on the necessary steps to initiate your claim.
Q: How can an attorney determine liability in a social media mental health lawsuit?
A: An attorney can hold the correct at-fault parties accountable by identifying who may be liable for your child’s suffering. This includes pinpointing negligent parties responsible for your child’s mental health issues and seeking compensation from them.
Q: How does an attorney build a case with compelling evidence?
A: An attorney strengthens your claim by gathering and retaining relevant evidence. This evidence helps establish the severity of injuries and demonstrates how the negligence of companies like Meta may have caused these injuries.
Q: How does an attorney assess damages in a social media mental health lawsuit?
A: Calculating the worth of your claim can be complex, especially with subjective injuries. An attorney can determine your potential recovery amount by evaluating the damages you’ve suffered. For instance, therapy receipts can be used to prove medical expenses, potentially entitling you to economic damages.
Q: How does an attorney negotiate with at-fault parties and represent you in court?
A: Social media companies like Meta typically have robust defense strategies. An attorney works to protect your interests, negotiating on your behalf to reach an adequate resolution. They can also represent you in court to ensure your case is effectively presented.
National Injury Help: Your Social Media Harm Lawyers
Social media companies like Meta have long avoided accountability for the harm their platforms may have caused. It’s time for justice and fair compensation for their potential negligence.
If you or a loved one has suffered mental health effects from excessive social media use, you may be eligible to take legal action. Contact us at 1-800-214-1010 for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify to file a Social Media Harm Lawsuit instantly.
Our law firm is actively reviewing legal claims related to the negative effects of social media on youth mental health. We are committed to finding the most effective resolution for our clients. Contact us for more information and discover how our attorneys can assist you.
