Can You Sue Social Media Companies for Mental Health Harm?

Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat use addictive algorithms that keep users glued to their devices. Adolescents and young people may spend hours scrolling, watching videos on autoplay, reading notifications, and using beauty filters. While teens are unmotivated to do their homework, they may be motivated to get more followers or “likes.” Sadly, parallels have been drawn between social media addiction and alcohol and drug use, promoting compulsive behavior. If your child has experienced mental health harm due to social media, our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys are ready to provide fierce advocacy.

Unrealistic Expectations

Constant videos and posts make adolescents feel inferior to what they see their friends doing online. As a result, teens set unrealistic expectations for themselves, only making them frustrated with their own lives. Since teens are still forming their identity, they are more likely to rely on comments from their peers to feel accepted.

Sleep Deprivation

Whereas societal pressures can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability, sleep deprivation also comes into play. Given the blue light that electronic devices emit, young users are more likely to experience a decreased production of melatonin when using their tablet or phone near bedtime. When the body does not create enough melatonin, it will take you longer to fall asleep. Adequate sleep is necessary for teens to develop problem-solving skills and emotional regulation. It comes as no surprise that seven out of ten adolescents who do not get enough sleep also exhibit signs of depression.

Targeting Social Media Sites for Harmful Algorithms

Recent landmark verdicts against Meta have paved the way for pending cases. Many platforms have claimed immunity under section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, claiming that they are immune from civil liability when content is posted by third-party users. The Act shields social media platforms from liability in terms of what content they choose to publish. However, the argument has not worked in recent cases in which the platform’s architecture or design is at stake, not the content itself.

In K.G.M. versus Meta et al., Meta was found liable for faulty website design that contributed to the plaintiff’s mental health struggles. The plaintiff alleged that features like infinite scroll, autoplay videos, and beauty filters kept her on certain platforms for prolonged periods. Addictive algorithms caused her to become isolated from friends and contributed to her depression and body dysmorphia. The jury ordered Meta and Google to pay $6 million in total damages, finding Meta responsible for 70% of that amount and Google 30% responsible.

Proposed legislation would assess the impact of algorithms on users’ mental health. Algorithms are a process used by a platform or search engine that controls what content a user sees. Known as the Algorithm Accountability Act, this law would apply to any companies that make more than $50 million per year in average gross income (i.e., all major social media platforms). If this bill is passed, it could change the course of social media addiction lawsuits moving forward.

Reach Out to Our Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorneys

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and countless others should be held accountable for their deceptive practices. For nearly 30 years, HGSK Injury Lawyers has assisted individuals affected by another party’s negligence. If your child has been exposed to harmful content online, resulting in depression, anxiety, or mood disturbances, our legal team would like to speak with you. To schedule a consultation with one of our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys, we can be reached online or by calling (267) 551-8782.