Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reports that taking a one-week break from social media can lead to significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and insomnia among young adults.

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reviewed data from 373 participants ages 18 to 24 and found that a brief break lowered depressive symptoms by 25%, anxiety by 16%, and insomnia by 15%.

Participants also showed reduced compulsive use, with average daily screen time dropping by roughly 30 minutes after the detox period.

These findings coincide with ongoing lawsuits alleging that major social media platforms design features that promote addictive behavior in teens and young adults.

The Social Media Mental Health MDL added 19 new cases between November and December, increasing the total from 2,172 to 2,191.

This steady rise reflects continued interest from families and school districts pursuing claims against major platforms.

Plaintiffs allege that companies like Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat designed their products to encourage compulsive use in minors.

The lawsuits claim that algorithm-driven feeds, engagement prompts, and constant notifications contributed to anxiety, depression, and other mental health harms in young users.

A federal judge in California has denied Meta’s attempt to block testimony from former researcher Jason Sattizahn in the Social Media Mental Health MDL.

Meta requested a protective order to prevent Sattizahn from discussing information it claimed was attorney-client privileged.

Sattizahn previously testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September during the “Hidden Harms” hearing, where he described internal research about youth mental health risks on Meta’s platforms.

Judge Peter H. Kang rejected Meta’s request, noting that the New Mexico MDL already has procedures in place to manage privilege issues during Sattizahn’s deposition.

Those procedures govern transcript handling and privilege objections, making an additional protective order unnecessary.

Sattizahn is expected to testify that Meta’s legal team directed changes to internal research protocols to avoid recording harms to minors.

Plaintiffs argue this supports their claims that Meta concealed internal data showing Facebook and Instagram negatively affect adolescent mental health.

The MDL includes lawsuits from families, school districts, and state attorneys general, all alleging that Meta and other platforms designed addictive features that harmed young users.

The ruling allows Sattizahn’s testimony to proceed while maintaining limited protections for privileged communications.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

The Eleventh Circuit has cleared Florida to enforce key provisions of its new child-protection social media law while the case continues on appeal.

In a November 22, 2025 order, the court lifted a lower-court injunction that had temporarily blocked the measure.

The law, HB 3, bars children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for 14- to 16-year-olds.

Industry groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association argued the law violates the First Amendment, but the panel found they had not shown that enforcement during the appeal would cause irreparable harm.

Florida maintains the law is necessary to reduce risks tied to addictive platform design and online sexual exploitation.

The statute will remain in effect as the broader constitutional challenge moves forward.

The case is NetChoice LLC et al. v. Moody et al., No. 24-12121 (11th Cir.).

Meta Platforms faces escalating legal pressure as plaintiffs in the federal social-media multidistrict litigation allege the company concealed internal research showing its products harm children’s mental health.

Unsealed filings describe Project Mercury, a 2019 internal Meta study that found users who stopped using Facebook and Instagram for one week saw drops in anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Plaintiffs say Meta shut down the study and withheld the results from the public and Congress.

When senators asked whether increased use among teen girls correlated with anxiety and depression, Meta answered “no.”

The lawsuit also cites testimony from Instagram’s former head of safety, who said Instagram used a “17-strike” policy before removing accounts tied to sex-trafficking content.

She testified that Meta ignored warnings about weak reporting tools for child sexual abuse content.

Plaintiffs argue Meta intentionally designed its platforms to be addictive and resisted safety changes, such as hiding likes, limiting beauty filters, or expanding “quiet mode”, because executives worried about lower engagement.

Internal documents quoted employees comparing Instagram to “a drug.”

The suit claims Meta knowingly allowed millions of children under 13 onto its platforms and even used location data to send notifications to students during school hours.

While Meta created “Teen Accounts” in 2024, plaintiffs say the company had evidence years earlier that such protections would have prevented harmful adult-child interactions.

Meta denies wrongdoing and calls the allegations misleading.

The case is proceeding in the Northern District of California, where Meta and other platforms face claims that they placed growth and profits ahead of youth safety.

Plaintiffs in the coordinated social media mental health litigation are asking a Los Angeles judge to force Meta to turn over unredacted internal research documents, arguing the company’s legal team altered or suppressed findings about harms to young users.

The request cites a recent ruling in Washington, D.C., where a judge found that Meta’s attorneys instructed researchers to change teen-mental-health studies to lower the company’s potential liability.

According to the motion, former Meta researchers told Congress that company lawyers pressured scientists to delete unfavorable data and used attorney-client privilege to keep harmful findings from parents, regulators, and the public.

Plaintiffs argue the crime-fraud exception applies and makes the documents discoverable.

At issue are four internal documents.

Plaintiffs say the redacted versions already show Meta lawyers influencing researchers to remove evidence that the company knew teens were developmentally vulnerable to compulsive platform use.

Other records allegedly show attorneys blocking or reshaping research on harmful content exposure and editing internal presentations for executives.

Judge Yvonne Williams in D.C. recently ruled that Meta’s conduct met the crime-fraud threshold, finding that lawyers advised researchers to alter studies after the California federal MDL began.

Plaintiffs say this strengthens their request for full disclosure in Los Angeles, where the first bellwether trial is set for January.

Meta denies the allegations and says its communications with researchers were routine. The company notes it has approved dozens of youth-related studies since 2022.

Plaintiffs maintain full transparency is necessary as more than 1,000 consolidated cases accuse Meta and other platforms of designing addictive products that harm minors.

The motion is pending before Judge Carolyn Kuhl in Social Media Cases, JCCP 5255, alongside the related federal MDL.

TikTok, Meta, and Google have filed federal lawsuits to stop California from enforcing a new law that requires parental consent before platforms can deliver personalized, algorithm-driven feeds to minors.

The companies argue the rule violates their First Amendment rights by limiting how they curate content and organize user speech, pointing to recent Supreme Court rulings that treat content moderation as protected expression.

They also claim personalized feeds help minors access age-appropriate material and that current safeguards already address the state’s concerns.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta defends the law as a necessary step to reduce addictive design features aimed at children.

The challenge comes as social-media companies face growing litigation alleging their products contribute to widespread youth mental-health harms.

DeKalb County Schools report spending more than $4.3 million to address issues linked to student social-media addiction, including more than $400,000 on cellphone lockers in the past year, according to new filings in the district’s lawsuit against major technology companies.

School officials allege that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat are intentionally developed to maximize student engagement, leading teachers to devote up to 20% of classroom time to managing phone-related disruptions.

Administrators also connect the platforms’ design features to increased levels of student anxiety and depression.

The district contends that these financial and educational impacts support its demand for damages—potentially reaching into the billions—as part of a nationwide series of lawsuits brought by school systems.

The new disclosures bolster arguments that social-media companies have imposed significant, quantifiable burdens on public schools and should be held liable for their role in youth addiction and its academic consequences.

A California judge has ruled that major social media companies—including Meta, ByteDance (owner of TikTok), Alphabet’s YouTube, and Snap—must face trial over claims that their platforms are intentionally designed to promote addictive use among minors.

The lawsuits allege that these companies developed features such as infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven content feeds, and push notifications to maximize user engagement, contributing to mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and body-image concerns in young users.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl issued the ruling, allowing the litigation to move forward after previously denying motions to dismiss.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers say the decision paves the way for discovery into internal documents related to platform design choices and the companies’ assessments of associated risks.

The California Department of Justice has scheduled a public hearing for November 5 to gather input on proposed regulations designed to protect minors from social media addiction and exploitation.

The regulations stem from SB-976—the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act—which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law in September 2024.

Under the law, the Attorney General must create standards for age verification and parental consent on social media platforms.

State officials are requesting public feedback on potential verification systems and compliance requirements for platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

This regulatory effort comes amid a growing number of social media addiction lawsuits, many of which are centralized in California due to the state’s connection to major technology companies.

Federal cases have been consolidated before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the Northern District of California, while state cases are overseen by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl.

Both judges are coordinating discovery and preparing bellwether trials to evaluate the strength of the claims.

The first state bellwether trial—initially set to feature plaintiff Heaven Moore—was postponed and replaced with a case brought by plaintiff K.G.M., with jury selection now scheduled for January 27, 2026.

The first federal bellwether will focus on claims filed by school districts seeking reimbursement for educational and mental health costs linked to student social media use.

The Social Media multidistrict litigation rose from 2,053 cases in October to 2,172 in November. Plaintiffs allege that platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok contributed to mental health disorders among children and teenagers.

Allegations center on platform design features that promote excessive use and expose users to harmful or addictive content.

The MDL remains in early discovery as parties coordinate pretrial motions and evidence collection. If your child has experienced mental health challenges, eating disorders, or social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit.

Parents of minors who have tragically died by suicide linked to social media use may also qualify to file a wrongful death claim.

Meta, YouTube, Snap, and TikTok are seeking dismissal of claims in advance of a January bellwether trial in California, arguing that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects them from liability related to user-generated content.

The multidistrict litigation includes more than 1,000 lawsuits accusing these companies of contributing to youth mental health issues, including depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation.

Although the court has allowed claims related to addictive design features to proceed, the companies assert that most alleged harms arise from content posted by users—protected under federal law.

Plaintiffs argue that granting such immunity would prevent families from pursuing justice for the harms caused.

Failure-to-warn and concealment claims remain active, ensuring the ongoing legal battle over platform accountability continues into 2026.

A California state court is set to begin jury selection on January 27, 2026, in the first Social Media Harm Lawsuit involving minors.

The plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., alleges that Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok designed their platforms and algorithms to foster addictive behaviors that led to anxiety, depression, and self-harm.

Two additional trials are scheduled for April 13 and June 8, 2026, involving plaintiffs R.K.C. and Moore. Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl has ordered both parties to submit proposed jury instructions and verdict forms by November 21, 2025, with a hearing on those proposals set for December 12, 2025.

The lawsuits claim that social media companies engineered their platforms to maximize engagement at the cost of users’ mental health.

The outcomes could set important precedents for youth mental health litigation nationwide.

Parents and school districts suing Meta Platforms over youth social media addiction have urged the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to reject Meta’s request for Section 230 immunity, arguing that the law does not protect harmful platform design choices such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and like counts.

Plaintiffs contend that Section 230 shields companies only for hosting third-party content, not for creating features that allegedly contribute to addictive behavior and mental health harm among children.

They further argue that Meta’s appeal is premature and risks unnecessary delays in the litigation.

If the court agrees to review the case, plaintiffs are seeking to reinstate dismissed claims, maintaining that Meta’s design decisions fall outside Section 230’s scope.

The outcome could have major implications for how courts interpret online immunity laws in the age of algorithm-driven social media.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a sweeping package of child safety bills designed to reduce the harms associated with social media and artificial intelligence technologies.

The new legislation establishes age verification requirements across apps and connected devices, imposes liability limits on AI developers and users, and mandates safety warnings for minors using digital platforms. It also introduces specific protections for chatbot interactions.

Under Senate Bill 243, AI-powered companion chatbots must clearly identify themselves as artificial intelligence, encourage minors to take periodic breaks, and filter out sexually explicit content.

Another measure, Assembly Bill 316, prevents companies from avoiding accountability by arguing that harm originated from autonomous AI behavior.

Together, these laws represent a major shift in how California regulates emerging technology, requiring platforms to proactively safeguard young users against exploitation, mental health risks, and harmful content.

As one of the nation’s most influential tech jurisdictions, California’s new framework is expected to shape regulatory trends across other states and potentially influence federal policy.

New York City has refiled its lawsuit against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube in federal court, alleging that the companies deliberately designed addictive platforms that harm children’s mental health.

The city withdrew from coordinated litigation in California, stating it could pursue its claims more effectively in New York.

In a 327-page complaint, officials argue that the platforms’ algorithms exploit minors’ vulnerabilities, fueling anxiety, depression, and declining academic performance.

The filing points to rising youth suicide rates and reports of hopelessness among high school students, especially among girls and students of color.

The lawsuit alleges the companies prioritized profit over safety, creating a public nuisance that burdens schools and public health systems.

Google has denied wrongdoing, while other defendants have not commented.

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology explores how social media addiction is linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, using data collected in China.

The researchers found that higher levels of problematic social media use are associated with greater psychological distress, and the relationship may be bidirectional—distress itself can also drive increased platform use.

Although the study is based in China, the mechanisms identified—social comparison, feedback reinforcement, and emotional vulnerability—are universal. U.S. users may face similar risks given the design of platforms that encourage constant engagement.

From a legal standpoint, findings like these could support claims in the social media addiction lawsuits, where plaintiffs argue that platforms have a duty to mitigate foreseeable harms caused by their product designs.

A new Oregon State University study of more than 1,500 U.S. adults between the ages of 30 and 70 found a strong correlation between social media habits and feelings of loneliness.

The study reported that both the total time spent on social platforms and the frequency of checking them were independently associated with higher odds of loneliness, even after adjusting for age, marital status, education, and other demographics.

While the data are correlational and do not prove causation, the findings suggest that frequent “check-ins” may be just as significant as prolonged use in shaping social well-being.

Researchers emphasized that loneliness is linked to poor mental health, cardiovascular disease, and other risks, underscoring the importance of monitoring social media’s role in adult health.

The Social Media mental health lawsuit increased between September and October, with pending cases rising from 1,961 to 2,053.

The litigation includes claims from school districts, families, and individuals alleging that platforms such as Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat designed their products to be addictive, contributing to a nationwide youth mental health crisis.

Allegations cite harmful algorithms, insufficient safeguards, and exposure to dangerous content.

The addition of nearly 100 new cases underscores the ongoing growth of the MDL.

Pretrial motions and discovery continue, with coordination among parties on case management and expert discovery schedules.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

The Choctaw Nation and Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma have filed lawsuits against leading social media companies, alleging that the platforms contribute to youth addiction and a worsening mental health crisis among tribal members.

The complaints, filed September 16, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, list Meta Platforms (Facebook and Instagram), Snap Inc. (Snapchat), ByteDance (TikTok), and Alphabet (Google and YouTube) as defendants.

According to the lawsuits, the platforms were deliberately designed to maximize adolescent engagement, while exposing young users to harmful content and concealing internal findings about potential risks.

The tribes argue that this conduct has fueled depression, suicidal thoughts, and compulsive social media use, placing heavy burdens on tribal health and social services.

The Choctaw Nation said its programs have been pushed “to their breaking points,” while the Chickasaw Nation cited major strain on its Zero Suicide initiative and behavioral health programs.

A California state judge has ruled that jurors in the upcoming social media addiction bellwether trials will be allowed to hear expert testimony on how platform design and operation may harm young users’ mental health.

In a September 22, 2025 order, Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl of Los Angeles County Superior Court rejected efforts by Meta, Snap, ByteDance, and Google to exclude expert opinions in the consolidated litigation involving hundreds of cases.

The companies argued that such testimony would improperly bypass protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields platforms from liability for third-party content.

Judge Kuhl disagreed, ruling that negligence claims can proceed where harm stems from a platform’s design or operational features rather than content decisions.

Of the 11 experts put forward by plaintiffs, 10 were cleared to testify after the court found their opinions satisfied California’s Sargon standard for scientific reliability.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys said the ruling validates claims that platforms are engineered in ways that exploit adolescent brain development and increase risks of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

This state-court proceeding, Social Media Cases, Case No. JCCP5255, runs parallel to federal multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of California.

Both sets of lawsuits accuse social media companies of deliberately designing addictive products that harm children.

The first bellwether trials are expected to play a key role in shaping liability and potential damages in the social media addiction lawsuits.

Social media addiction lawsuits consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) before Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers continue to advance toward the first federal bellwether trials.

More than 1,800 lawsuits are pending, including claims from families and school districts.

Families allege platforms such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube intentionally designed products to maximize engagement, leading to compulsive use and mental health conditions in children, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

School districts are seeking reimbursement for counseling, crisis intervention, and special education services linked to social media addiction.

Judge Rogers announced that six school district lawsuits will serve as bellwether cases.

Plaintiffs requested that the Tucson Unified School District lawsuit proceed first, arguing it is trial-ready, representative of broader claims, and includes both negligence and public nuisance allegations.

Defendants contend that Tucson is too large compared to most of the 1,000 school district lawsuits, arguing it would not provide a reliable measure for potential jury outcomes.

The first federal bellwether trials are expected to begin in late 2026. Before then, the first trial involving social media addiction claims will take place in California state court on November 24, 2025.

The next federal case management conference is scheduled for September 19, 2025.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl denied Meta, Snap, and TikTok’s motion for summary judgment in the coordinated social media mental health litigation, allowing plaintiff Jamie Loach’s claims to move forward to a bellwether trial.

The companies argued Loach’s case was barred by the statute of limitations, pointing to her earlier suspicions of addiction and the availability of media coverage that should have alerted her sooner.

Judge Kuhl rejected that argument, ruling that the central issue is whether Loach herself discovered potential wrongdoing by the platforms in 2022 through her own investigation.

She added that determining whether a reasonable person should have known about reports in publications such as the Washington Post or Vice is a matter for the jury.

Loach, who filed her lawsuit in 2023, continues to pursue negligence claims against Meta, Snap, and TikTok, along with negligence nonproduct failure-to-warn and fraudulent concealment claims against Meta.

Her case is scheduled as the third bellwether trial in the California proceedings, which run alongside the federal multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of California.

World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee has urged governments to outlaw engagement-maximizing algorithms, warning they harm mental health and distort public discourse.

In a September 8 interview with ITV News, he argued these systems reward platforms financially for keeping users online—even when the content amplified spreads division or anxiety.

Berners-Lee suggested legislation that either bans such algorithms outright or requires child-specific apps and devices to exclude them, while still allowing neutral features.

Recent legal and regulatory actions reflect similar concerns.

The Ninth Circuit upheld most of California’s Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, restricting “addictive feeds” for minors without parental consent.

Minnesota has sued TikTok over its recommendation engine, while school districts and multiple states pursue claims against Meta, Snap, and TikTok for allegedly defective designs. Courts are increasingly allowing these lawsuits to proceed past dismissal.

Internationally, the EU’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Act impose transparency and risk-mitigation obligations on large platforms, requiring access to internal algorithm documentation and threatening substantial fines.

Key obstacles remain—such as defining “addictive algorithms,” proving causation, and balancing regulation with free expression.

Still, Berners-Lee’s proposal now aligns with active litigation and legislation that could reshape how social media companies design core systems.

The Ninth Circuit has allowed most of California’s Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act (S.B. 976) to take effect, rejecting industry group NetChoice’s attempt to strike down the law in full.

The panel held that restrictions on providing algorithmic feeds to minors without parental consent, as well as defaulting minors’ accounts to private mode, satisfy constitutional review.

However, it blocked enforcement of provisions requiring platforms to hide like and share counts by default, ruling that those restrictions were content-based and failed strict scrutiny.

Because the invalidated section was severable, the rest of the statute remains enforceable. Challenges to the law’s age-verification rules were dismissed as premature since they do not take effect until 2027.

The case now returns to the district court to narrow the injunction to the invalidated provision.

A September 2, 2025, JAMA Neurology study highlights the brain’s vulnerability to environmental and technological influences, reinforcing concerns that social media platforms worsen mental health outcomes in youth.

Decades of research now associate algorithm-driven features with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other harms.

Plaintiffs in lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat argue that companies knowingly deployed endless scroll, algorithmic amplification, and manipulative notifications despite these risks.

More than 1,800 lawsuits are consolidated in MDL No. 3047 in California, where courts will soon decide whether platforms can be held accountable for prioritizing engagement over safety.

The litigation centers on the principle that when science demonstrates harm, corporations may bear liability for failing to protect users.

A new Times poll underscores the growing impact of social media on the mental health of teenage girls.

According to the survey, many students are missing school due to anxiety linked to constant online exposure.

While pandemic-related stress and heavy screen use also play a role, social media emerged as a leading factor in worsening mental health.

These findings align with claims in lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube.

Families and school districts argue that features such as recommendation algorithms, likes, and endless scrolling are intentionally addictive and harmful.

Courts have recently allowed many of these lawsuits to advance, and districts nationwide report increased spending on mental health support as more students struggle.

The poll reinforces plaintiffs’ central argument: that social media platforms are not neutral tools but powerful drivers of teen anxiety, school absences, and long-term health effects.

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have filed an appeal to the North Carolina Supreme Court after a state Business Court judge allowed a deceptive trade practices claim to move forward.

On August 19, Judge Adam Conrad denied the companies’ motion to dismiss, finding that TikTok and ByteDance have significant business ties to the state.

These include marketing campaigns, user engagement efforts, and school grant programs, which the court determined were sufficient to establish jurisdiction.

The North Carolina Attorney General filed the lawsuit in October 2024, alleging that TikTok intentionally designed its platform to addict minors while misleading families about associated risks.

The case originated from a multistate investigation launched in 2022 into the platform’s impact on young users.

With the appeal now before the state’s highest court, TikTok and ByteDance will again argue that North Carolina lacks authority to pursue these claims.

The outcome could have significant implications for ongoing lawsuits targeting social media platforms’ youth-focused designs and disclosures.

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Mississippi to enforce its new age-verification and parental-consent law for social media platforms while ongoing legal challenges continue.

The ruling upholds the Fifth Circuit’s decision to pause a lower court injunction that initially blocked H.B. 1126, which applies to platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Snapchat.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh acknowledged that the law may ultimately be deemed unconstitutional under existing First Amendment precedent but agreed that NetChoice, representing the platforms, had not demonstrated grounds for emergency relief.

The law requires platforms to verify users’ ages, obtain parental consent for minors, and implement content moderation safeguards aimed at reducing children’s exposure to material promoting violence, illegal drug use, and other unlawful activities.

NetChoice argues that the law violates free speech rights, anonymous online expression, and improperly restricts access to protected content.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch maintains that the statute protects minors and cites a recent Supreme Court ruling upholding a similar Texas age-verification requirement for pornography websites.

The case now returns to the lower courts for further review on the constitutional questions raised.

Harford County Public Schools has been chosen as one of six school districts nationwide to serve as a bellwether case in the ongoing litigation against major social media companies, including Meta, Google, Snap Inc., and ByteDance.

The lawsuit, filed in 2023, claims that these platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive, contributing to worsening student mental health and placing financial and operational strains on schools.

Several other Maryland districts are participating in the broader litigation, including Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, and Howard counties, while Baltimore City Schools has filed a separate, related lawsuit.

The cases have been consolidated with similar lawsuits across the U.S., with additional bellwether districts located in Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Arizona, and South Carolina.

Five individual lawsuits are also included in the initial trial group.

According to the complaints, these platforms contribute to anxiety, depression, and social isolation among students.

School districts argue they have been forced to divert resources from education to mental health support, seeking to hold the companies financially accountable for the harm caused.

The bellwether trials are intended to guide outcomes in the broader litigation, with the first trials expected to begin in 2026.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has granted a three-week extension for key deadlines in the teen social media addiction multidistrict litigation (MDL) after a joint request from both sides.

The extension gives Meta, Google, TikTok, and YouTube additional time to challenge plaintiffs’ expert witness testimony regarding claims that the platforms contributed to mental health issues in children and young adults.

The updated schedule moves the close of expert discovery to September 17, 2025.

Depositions for two of the plaintiffs’ experts are now due by September 24, with Rule 702 motions from defendants also due that same day.

Plaintiffs must respond by November 5, and defendants are required to reply by November 25.

These developments come as 11 bellwether cases move through case-specific discovery in federal court, ahead of a projected late 2026 trial.

Meanwhile, the first state court trial related to the litigation is set to begin on November 24, 2025, in California, with additional state trials scheduled for March and May 2026.

A new peer-reviewed study published July 31, 2025, in Frontiers in Education finds that social media addiction is significantly linked to lower academic engagement in Somali university students, largely due to poor sleep quality.

Researchers analyzed data from 566 undergraduates using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

They applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess how addiction, sleep, and academic engagement interact.

The study revealed that social media addiction correlates with both poor sleep and reduced academic involvement.

Sleep quality was found to mediate this relationship, while fatigue did not show the same mediating effect.

Researchers concluded that improving sleep habits and curbing excessive social media use could help enhance academic performance.

They also recommended additional longitudinal research to confirm these findings and expand the data beyond Somalia.

The Social Media multidistrict litigation (MDL) rose from 1,867 to 1,922 pending cases between July and August.

Plaintiffs assert that platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat worsened the youth mental health crisis by employing addictive design features and failing to implement proper safety measures.

Ongoing discovery coordination remains active across all defendants, with recent filings emphasizing the production of internal research and algorithm-related documents.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

In a strategic move to improve efficiency, the judge overseeing the Social Media multidistrict litigation (MDL) has announced plans to divide trial proceedings between jury and bench phases.

Juries will decide liability and damages, while the court alone will rule on any requests for injunctive relief—such as changes to platform design or safety measures.

The court has named five individual plaintiffs and six school districts as bellwether cases.

While trial dates are still pending, the judge suggested that at least one could reach trial by early 2026.

All selected bellwether cases will follow a coordinated schedule to maintain momentum, even if motions or settlement talks occur in specific cases.

This dual-phase structure is designed to reduce delays and promote consistency across the MDL, offering plaintiffs a more predictable path to resolution while maintaining pressure on tech companies facing allegations of harm to youth mental health.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is calling on Congress to mandate warning labels on social media platforms, citing mounting evidence linking heavy social media use to mental health declines among adolescents.

In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Murthy compared the warning labels to those used for tobacco and alcohol, asserting that social media “has not been proven safe” for children and teens.

Murthy acknowledged that labels alone are not a complete solution, but emphasized their potential to raise awareness and shift public behavior when paired with broader protections.

He also renewed demands for legislation that would limit data collection on minors, implement safety standards, and increase transparency surrounding social media algorithms.

This public appeal builds on Murthy’s 2023 advisory, which warned that social media exposure may be fueling increased rates of depression and anxiety in youth—particularly among teen girls.

The Surgeon General’s position could bolster growing legal and legislative pressure on tech companies to reform platform design and user protections.

A new Science News report based on data published in JAMA highlights a critical shift in understanding teen digital media harm: it’s not just screen time that matters, but addiction-like behaviors that carry the greatest risk.

The large-scale study, which included over 50,000 adolescents, found that teens who showed signs of screen addiction—such as emotional distress without access to devices, compulsive checking, and use of digital media to escape problems—were nearly twice as likely to experience suicidal ideation or other mental health crises.

Importantly, these risks were independent of total screen usage, suggesting behavior is a stronger predictor of harm than time spent online.

This emerging framework could reshape both clinical interventions and legal arguments, shifting the focus from screen limits to compulsive usage patterns.

Experts warn that ignoring addiction-like behaviors may lead to ineffective treatment or policy measures.

Legal analysts believe this research could strengthen tech addiction lawsuits by supporting claims that companies knowingly designed platforms to foster compulsive engagement.

With Congress and state legislatures considering new regulations on teen social media access, this behavior-based risk model may soon influence product liability standards and drive changes in platform design.

The federal judge overseeing the social media multidistrict litigation (MDL) in California is weighing whether to bifurcate upcoming bellwether trials, according to a recent report from Law360.

The MDL includes claims against major platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube, alleging they played a role in worsening youth mental health and causing school-related harms.

Bifurcation would divide the trials into two phases—first addressing liability and then, if necessary, determining damages.

The judge suggested that this approach could simplify proceedings and avoid unnecessary trials if defendants are not found liable in the first phase.

With hundreds of claims from individuals and school districts, the complexity of the litigation has prompted consideration of bifurcation as a case management strategy.

The bellwether trials are intended to evaluate the strength of the claims and help shape potential settlement negotiations.

While the idea is under review, no final ruling on bifurcation has been issued.

The MDL remains in the pretrial phase in the Northern District of California, with bellwether trials expected to begin sometime next year.

A new study published July 18, 2025, and reported by News Medical, found that adolescents who engage in heavy social media use are more likely to suffer from reduced attention span, emotional exhaustion, and signs of addictive behavior.

Researchers identified “problematic social media use” through patterns such as withdrawal symptoms, compulsive cravings, and heightened stress among young users.

These findings add to mounting legal and regulatory pressure on social media companies over their alleged role in harming youth mental health.

Lawsuits filed nationwide accuse platforms like Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube of intentionally designing addictive features that lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues in minors.

Plaintiffs include parents, school districts, and municipalities seeking accountability for the impact of social media on children and teens.

The study reinforces previous research linking excessive or passive screen use with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and cognitive decline in adolescents.

This new evidence may bolster claims that platform design plays a direct role in youth mental health harms, a central issue in the growing litigation.

The social media mental health lawsuits have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, with participation continuing to expand.

TruLaw is closely tracking developments in social media mental health litigation as the scientific and legal landscapes evolve.

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that adolescents who engage in addictive behaviors involving social media, mobile phones, or video games face a significantly elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and actions compared to their peers with non-addictive use patterns.

The study, part of the ongoing Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, tracked around 4,300 U.S. children from ages 9–10 over a four-year span to assess screen use behaviors and mental health outcomes.

Researchers focused on signs of addictive use, including compulsive engagement, emotional distress when not using devices, and reliance on screens to manage negative emotions.

By age 14, about one-third of the adolescents showed growing signs of addiction to social media, one-quarter to mobile phones, and more than 40% to video games.

Teens with high or escalating addictive use were two to three times more likely to experience suicidal ideation or behavior, with 18% reporting suicidal thoughts and nearly 5% engaging in suicidal actions by year four.

Crucially, the study found that overall screen time was not a reliable predictor of mental health issues; rather, it was the compulsive and emotionally driven use patterns that were strongly associated with poorer outcomes.

The type of screen use also made a difference—addiction to social media was more closely linked to externalizing issues like aggression, while video game addiction was more often tied to internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

These findings contribute to growing public concern and support ongoing litigation that alleges a connection between screen addiction and declining mental health in minors.

Bernalillo Public Schools in New Mexico has joined the expanding wave of litigation accusing major social media platforms of fueling addiction and causing harm to minors.

The district’s involvement adds to the growing list of educational institutions supporting legal action against companies like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.

The lawsuit alleges that these platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive, contributing to negative effects on the mental health, behavior, and academic performance of young users.

Bernalillo Public Schools claim the impact on their student population includes increased distraction in the classroom, behavioral challenges, and psychological harm.

This move aligns with a broader national effort involving school districts, parents, and state attorneys general who are pursuing legal accountability and financial compensation for the role social media companies allegedly play in youth addiction and its consequences.

A recent peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Psychology (July 2025) reinforces concerns about the negative impact of social media on young people’s mental health.

The study found that frequent upward social comparisons on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are associated with lower self-esteem and increased symptoms of depression among young adults.

The research, conducted in two phases and involving 552 participants, examined how comparing oneself to others perceived as more successful or attractive—known as upward social comparison—affects psychological well-being.

In both phases, participants who engaged in more of these comparisons reported notably lower levels of both global and physical self-esteem.

In the second phase, the behavior was also linked to greater depressive symptoms.

These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence relevant to ongoing and future litigation against social media companies.

Many lawsuits claim that platforms are deliberately engineered to be addictive and psychologically harmful, particularly to minors.

Plaintiffs argue that companies have failed to provide adequate warnings or implement sufficient protections to mitigate mental health risks for young users.

A newly published article in Cureus titled “Modern Day High: The Neurocognitive Impact of Social Media Usage” underscores growing concerns over the neurological impact of social media, particularly on adolescents. Released in July 2025, the peer-reviewed study draws parallels between social media engagement and addiction-like brain responses.

According to researchers, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat stimulate the brain’s mesolimbic dopamine pathway—commonly associated with substance addiction—by using algorithmic reward systems such as likes, comments, and shares.

These mechanisms reinforce compulsive usage and may foster dependency-like behaviors in frequent users.

The study also identifies structural changes in key brain regions tied to emotional regulation and cognitive control, including the basal ganglia, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.

These alterations, the researchers suggest, may hinder decision-making, increase impulsivity, and heighten emotional reactivity—especially in developing adolescent brains.

Beyond the neurological findings, the article raises ethical concerns about how algorithm-driven content delivery and data harvesting exploit young users’ vulnerabilities.

The authors call for early intervention from parents, educators, and regulators to curb excessive screen time and mitigate potential long-term damage.

These findings come at a time of heightened legal scrutiny against major tech companies.

On June 30, 2025, the State of Utah filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, accusing the platform of endangering minors through intentionally addictive design elements and the unsafe use of artificial intelligence.

Governor Spencer Cox, Attorney General Derek Brown, and the Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection filed the lawsuit in Salt Lake County District Court.

According to the complaint, Snapchat utilizes deceptive and manipulative features—such as Snapstreaks, disappearing messages, and algorithm-powered push notifications—designed to promote compulsive use among young users.

Utah also targets Snapchat’s AI chatbot, “My AI,” which reportedly provided harmful content to users posing as minors, including sexually explicit messages and instructions for concealing drug use.

The lawsuit further alleges that Snapchat violates the Utah Consumer Privacy Act and the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act by collecting biometric, behavioral, and geolocation data from underage users without sufficient disclosure or consent.

In addition, the state claims features like Snap Map have facilitated illegal activities, including drug sales and child exploitation, by enabling real-time location sharing.

The complaint links these platform elements to real-world harms such as overdoses and predatory behavior.

Utah is seeking civil penalties, restitution, and a court order requiring Snap to reform its design and data practices to protect minors better.

This is Utah’s fourth lawsuit against a major tech firm as part of a broader initiative to address the mental health and safety risks that social media platforms may pose to children, following earlier actions against companies like Meta and TikTok.

A peer-reviewed study published on July 2, 2025, in Scientific Reports reveals that excessive and anxiety-driven social media use among college students is strongly associated with burnout and temporary disengagement from online platforms.

Using the stressor–strain–outcome (SSO) framework, researchers surveyed university undergraduates to explore how social media burnout mediates the relationship between problematic usage and what they call “discontinuous use”—intentional breaks or temporary quitting of social media.

The study found that higher levels of problematic engagement significantly contributed to burnout, which, in turn, increased the likelihood of users stepping away from these platforms.

The study also highlighted the role of social media-related anxiety—particularly stress around self-image and content sharing—as a key moderator.

Anxiety not only intensified the link between problematic use and burnout but also amplified burnout’s effect on the decision to take breaks from social media.

Despite these findings, researchers noted that many users continued heavy social media use even when experiencing burnout and anxiety, suggesting a compulsive dimension to platform engagement.

While the study offers valuable insight, it comes with limitations.

The sample was relatively small and consisted primarily of university students, a group older and more homogenous than the children and teens who are often the focus of social media litigation.

Additionally, findings were based on self-reported data and did not differentiate between specific platforms.

Though not directly applicable to the primary demographic in ongoing legal actions, this research may help inform future investigations into the psychological effects of social media use on younger populations.

As legal and regulatory scrutiny of digital platforms intensifies, especially in cases concerning youth mental health, studies like this could contribute to a broader understanding of social media’s impact.

On June 30, 2025, the State of Utah initiated legal action against Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, alleging that the platform is deliberately designed to be addictive and that its AI tools pose risks to minors.

The 90-page complaint, filed in Salt Lake County’s 3rd District Court, seeks injunctive relief, over $300,000 in civil penalties, and restitution for impacted users.

According to the lawsuit, several Snapchat features—including Snapstreaks, disappearing messages, push notifications, Snap Map, filters, and the “My AI” chatbot—are purposefully structured to exploit the psychological susceptibilities of young users.

Utah officials argue these tools function similarly to gambling systems by using reward-based loops to encourage compulsive usage, all for the sake of boosting engagement and corporate revenue.

The suit also alleges that Snap violated the Utah Consumer Privacy Act by harvesting sensitive user data such as biometric identifiers and geolocation, while failing to offer adequate opt-out options.

State investigators, who posed as underage users, reportedly encountered sexually suggestive material, drug-related content, and AI-generated guidance on concealing alcohol and engaging in sexual activity.

Utah accuses Snap of misrepresenting Snapchat as a safe space for youth while downplaying the risks posed by its design and artificial intelligence.

The state is asking the court to mandate changes to the platform’s features and transparency practices in addition to monetary penalties.

In response, Snap Inc. defended its platform, pointing to existing privacy tools for teens, parental monitoring options, and its backing of federal age-verification legislation.

The company also criticized the lawsuit as an attempt to bypass previous constitutional setbacks, referencing a federal court ruling that blocked Utah’s attempt to impose app-store age verification requirements.

This marks the fourth major lawsuit Utah has brought against a social media company, following previous actions against Meta and TikTok, as part of a broader campaign to confront the mental health effects of social media on young users.

As of July 2025, the Social Media Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) has grown to 1,867 cases—an increase of 53 lawsuits since last month.

These lawsuits continue to claim that major platforms such as Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat are responsible for contributing to the youth mental health crisis through the use of addictive algorithms, developed and implemented without sufficient warnings to users or parents.

The rise in filings follows key procedural developments and the release of expert reports, which have maintained momentum in the litigation.

Discovery remains focused on examining internal corporate communications and design decisions tied to user harm and causation.

If your child has struggled with social media addiction, mental health issues, eating disorders, or other health conditions due to excessive platform use, you may qualify to take legal action.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

A new working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research adds to mounting evidence that social media may be contributing to a growing teen mental health crisis.

Researchers Jonathan Gruber and Adriana Lleras-Muney found that the sharp rise in adolescent social media use since the early 2010s closely aligns with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide—especially among teenage girls.

By analyzing county-level smartphone adoption data, the study showed that teens in areas with faster smartphone adoption reported significantly worse mental health outcomes.

The strongest effects were observed among teen girls and heavy social media users.

The study also links social media use to delayed sleep, reduced in-person interaction, and increased exposure to harmful or distressing content.

These findings may support current social media lawsuits filed by school districts and families who allege that platforms like Meta and TikTok were intentionally designed to encourage compulsive use and failed to prevent foreseeable harm to young users.

Legal arguments in these cases center on product design, lack of warnings, and failure to mitigate known risks.

Researchers conclude that this growing public health issue is likely not coincidental—and urge tech companies to provide more transparency and data access to enable further investigation.

Two newly released studies add to mounting evidence that screen addiction—not just time spent on devices—is significantly associated with mental health challenges in children and teens, including heightened risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

In the first study, researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University, and UC Berkeley tracked over 10,000 adolescents over a two-year period.

Their findings revealed that teens showing signs of screen addiction were nearly twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, aggression, and rule-breaking behaviors.

Key risk indicators included compulsive usage patterns like distress when disconnected, reliance on screens to avoid negative emotions, and repeated failed efforts to reduce use—factors shown to be more harmful than overall screen time.

A second study, published June 24, 2025, utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, following more than 4,000 children ages 9–10 over four years.

By the end of the study, nearly 18% of participants had experienced suicidal ideation, and over 5% reported suicidal behavior.

Children identified as addicted to mobile phones were more than twice as likely to engage in suicidal behaviors.

Social media addiction posed similar risks, while video game addiction showed a more moderate impact.

Platform-specific trends also emerged: video game addiction was more strongly linked to anxiety and depression, while social media addiction correlated with externalizing behaviors such as aggression.

By the fourth year of the ABCD study, 41% of participants exhibited high levels of video game addiction, 25% showed rising social media addiction, and nearly half showed increasing signs of mobile phone addiction.

These findings underscore growing public health concerns surrounding the psychological effects of digital technology on young users.

They may also play a role in the expanding wave of litigation targeting tech and social media companies, with thousands of lawsuits alleging these platforms were intentionally designed to foster addictive behavior in minors, fueling today’s youth mental health crisis.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has approved the first set of bellwether cases in the Social Media Addiction multidistrict litigation (MDL), naming six school districts and five individual plaintiffs for early jury trials.

In Case Management Order No. 24, issued on June 16, the court outlined the claims moving forward to evaluate the legal and factual issues surrounding allegations that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube contribute to youth mental health challenges.

The chosen school district cases represent a broad cross-section of the country—including Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Arizona, and South Carolina—and each asserts that social media platforms have intensified the student mental health crisis.

These districts claim they’ve been forced to divert resources to mental health services, including counseling and suicide prevention.

DeKalb County, Georgia, raised a Lexecon objection that could impact where its case is tried, while Tucson Unified School District in Arizona was involved in a discovery dispute related to late-stage witness disclosures.

The five selected individual cases—D’Orazio, Smith, Melton, Mullen, and Clevenger v. Meta Platforms—were filed on behalf of minors who experienced mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation following prolonged social media use.

Should any of these plaintiffs be dismissed before trial, S.K. v. Meta has been designated as a backup.

The first trial is set for 2026.

While these bellwether cases are not binding for the broader litigation, their outcomes may heavily influence how juries evaluate claims that social media companies intentionally created addictive features that exploit young users’ psychological vulnerabilities.

A new K–12 Dive report highlights growing concerns over the link between compulsive screen use, especially through cellphones and social media, and increased risk of suicidal behavior among teens.

This alarming trend comes as 21 states move to implement or expand restrictions on cellphone use during school hours.

The report draws on data from a study involving more than 4,000 adolescents, revealing that around one-third displayed addictive behaviors tied to social media, while roughly one-quarter showed signs of cellphone addiction.

These compulsive patterns, marked by emotional dependence and frequent, uncontrollable checking, were strongly associated with a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Crucially, the study emphasized that it’s the type of screen use, not just the total duration, that most closely correlates with negative mental health outcomes.

In one Florida school district that introduced a classroom cellphone ban in 2023, researchers found students who used social media for over six hours a day were three times more likely to earn mostly D and F grades, and six times more likely to exhibit symptoms of severe depression.

The findings were adjusted for variables such as age, race, gender, and income level.

The report also references a comprehensive meta-analysis of 117 studies, which identified a troubling feedback loop, screen use not only contributes to but can also stem from existing emotional and behavioral issues in youth.

While schools and state legislatures push for stronger in-school restrictions, some critics argue that these measures may have limited impact given that most screen time occurs outside of school hours.

Still, calls for broader action continue to grow.

The U.S. Surgeon General and organizations like UNESCO have urged further interventions, including mental health warning labels on social media platforms and federal regulation of youth access to digital content.

Social media platforms are coming under mounting legal pressure for allegedly employing dopamine-driven design features that may negatively impact the mental health of young users.

A June 17, 2025 report from The Jerusalem Post shed light on how platforms rely on mechanisms like variable rewards—such as algorithm-curated content, likes, and real-time notifications—to trigger dopamine responses and encourage compulsive engagement.

Ongoing lawsuits target companies including Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, accusing them of deliberately engineering their platforms to maximize screen time while ignoring the psychological toll, particularly on adolescents.

Plaintiffs argue these tactics have contributed to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and attention-related disorders among youth, and that the platforms failed to provide users or parents with adequate warnings about these potential risks.

The legal claims are grounded in product liability, negligence, and deceptive business practices.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs assert that these engagement-focused features amount to manipulative design strategies that disproportionately harm minors and other vulnerable groups.

Some courts are beginning to examine whether algorithmic features could be considered “defective” under product liability standards.

At the same time, federal lawmakers and regulatory bodies are assessing the need for new rules to address or require disclosure of the psychological effects tied to social media design choices.

Minnesota has made history as the first state to pass legislation requiring social media platforms to display mental health warning labels and implement usage timers.

The bill, which has cleared the state Legislature and is awaiting Governor Tim Walz’s signature, sets out a two-phase rollout of these new mandates.

Starting July 1, 2025, social media companies must begin displaying pop-up notifications that track and alert users of their time spent on the platform at 30-minute intervals.

Users will have the option to turn off or adjust the timer settings, but the notifications must appear at least every 60 minutes.

A year later, on July 1, 2026, platforms will also be required to display prominent mental health warnings each time a user logs in.

These labels must remain on-screen until the user either acknowledges the warning or exits the platform.

The warnings must provide information about the mental health risks associated with excessive use and include contact details for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The Minnesota Department of Health, working alongside the Department of Commerce, will develop evidence-based guidelines to shape the content of these warnings.

The state Attorney General’s Office will be responsible for enforcement.

Proponents of the law argue it’s a necessary response to the rising mental health concerns linked to social media, particularly among younger users.

Research has highlighted associations between heavy usage and increases in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders.

However, the legislation is already drawing fire from tech industry groups like NetChoice, who contend that it violates First Amendment protections by compelling speech.

Legal disputes are expected to focus on whether the required warnings qualify as “purely factual and uncontroversial,” a standard established under First Amendment jurisprudence.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has confirmed the final selection for the first school district bellwether trial pool in the Social Media Addiction multidistrict litigation (MDL).

The pool includes six school districts, with equal selections from both plaintiffs and defense teams, representing Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Arizona.

The judge emphasized the importance of incorporating geographic and socioeconomic diversity.

In line with this approach, the court declined to include a Utah district, citing state-specific characteristics that could skew the broader representativeness of the trial pool.

Notably, districts such as Hartford, Maryland, and others in Georgia and Kentucky were selected to reflect income variability.

Irvington, New Jersey, was added to ensure the inclusion of a predominantly underserved student population.

Despite objections from the defense, including TikTok’s argument against Tucson’s inclusion based on its historical segregation issues, the court maintained Tucson, Arizona, and Charleston, North Carolina, as part of the proceedings.

To further broaden the scope, the court intends to include a rural perspective by holding a trial in Eureka, California.

In terms of personal injury claims, the court reduced the initial bellwether pool from seven to five cases.

Two plaintiffs have been confirmed.

Among them is Nuala Mullen, whose allegations involving social media-linked anorexia and body dysmorphia have drawn significant attention.

Another plaintiff, who also suffers from anorexia, was removed from the pool due to a recent relapse.

However, Judge Rogers left the door open for reconsideration if other cases are dismissed.

Additionally, the court temporarily set aside Meta’s statute of limitations defense in a Pennsylvania case involving journal entries, allowing that matter to remain active.

The judge also acknowledged an ongoing discovery issue concerning YouTube, signaling possible action following Magistrate Judge Peter H. Kang’s order for an in-camera review of the redacted materials.

On June 18, 2025, a worldwide movement known as “Switch Off” will urge young people and their families to unplug from non-essential digital devices for a full day.

This 24-hour digital detox campaign is a response to alarming trends linking excessive screen time to increasing rates of depression among adolescents.

Participants—including schools, households, and individuals—are encouraged to take a break from social media, streaming services, and other non-critical digital platforms.

The campaign’s mission is to raise awareness of the harmful mental health effects that overuse of screens can have on teens.

According to studies cited by campaign organizers, extended digital exposure is associated with heightened risks of anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

The event comes at a time when public health officials and lawmakers are actively debating how best to address screen overuse and improve mental health education for youth.

Beyond awareness, “Switch Off” also contributes to ongoing policy discussions about social media regulation, youth safety online, and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies in designing addictive digital environments.

A recent Columbia University study published in JAMA Pediatrics is making waves for its conclusion: current state-level efforts to restrict teen social media use—such as age checks, time limits, and content controls—lack clear evidence of effectiveness.

While this finding may be seized upon by critics of regulation, the study actually reinforces the central argument of the ongoing Social Media Addiction Lawsuit.

The lawsuit contends that social media giants like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat knowingly created platforms that pose risks to young users.

These platforms were never built with youth mental health in mind. Instead, they were engineered to maximize user engagement—even at the expense of children’s well-being.

Columbia researchers reviewed more than 50 regulatory measures and concluded that many of these laws, while well-intentioned, are reactive and fall short.

This is not surprising.

Legislation that attempts to mitigate harm after it has already occurred does little to address the root of the crisis.

In contrast, mounting evidence shows that heavy social media use is closely linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, and behavioral issues in adolescents.

The foundation of the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit includes internal industry documents, whistleblower accounts, and studies—some from the companies themselves—that reveal how these platforms were intentionally designed to foster dependency and increase screen time.

The lawsuit does not claim that new laws alone are a solution.

It argues something far more urgent: social media companies have long known the mental health risks posed by their products and have failed to act responsibly.

This latest research from Columbia should not be viewed as an argument against accountability—but as a wake-up call.

It confirms what families and TruLaw attorneys have been saying all along: tech companies cannot be left to regulate themselves.

True accountability must come through the courts.

Efforts to confront the mental health challenges linked to teen social media use are gaining momentum, as educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers advocate for both regulatory and educational solutions.

A recent South China Morning Post special report highlights the increasing pressure on governments and tech companies to reduce the psychological risks associated with compulsive digital engagement.

Researchers point to platform features like infinite scroll, algorithmic content delivery, and instant feedback loops as contributors to addictive behaviors and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem.

These concerns are magnified by the abundance of highly curated content that often fuels harmful self-comparisons and unrealistic expectations among adolescents.

In response, some educational systems are introducing media literacy programs that emphasize thoughtful and informed interaction with digital media.

Rather than focusing solely on limiting screen time, these initiatives aim to equip students with the tools to critically analyze the content they consume.

Mental health advocates are also calling for regulatory oversight of social media design choices, particularly those that exploit developmental vulnerabilities in young users.

The consensus among experts is that voluntary industry reforms are unlikely to go far enough.

As a result, proposed solutions include legislation to curb harmful design practices and increased parental education on the risks of excessive and uncritical platform use.

The worsening mental health crisis among teenagers is now a central issue in public health discussions, with significant implications for future legal actions and policymaking efforts aimed at protecting young users from digital harm.

A recent investigation reviewed by The Guardian has uncovered troubling levels of misinformation in TikTok’s mental health content.

Among the top 100 most-viewed videos under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips, over half—52 to be exact—contained misleading or inaccurate information, according to a team of licensed psychologists who analyzed the posts.

The deceptive content spans a range of issues, including the casual mislabeling of everyday emotions as clinical disorders, improper use of diagnostic terms like “abuse,” and the endorsement of dubious treatments such as “curing trauma in under an hour.”

Many of these videos also present personal anecdotes as though they are universally valid medical advice, potentially confusing or even harming viewers.

Psychologist Amber Johnston emphasized that such misleading portrayals can worsen users’ mental health, particularly when promised “solutions” inevitably fail to deliver meaningful help.

This investigation may have broader legal implications as tech companies come under heightened scrutiny for their role in spreading health misinformation.

It could play into ongoing lawsuits concerning digital harm, algorithmic amplification of false health claims, and the overall accountability of social platforms.

TikTok, for its part, claims to remove 98% of harmful misinformation before it’s even flagged by users.

The platform also highlights its partnerships with credible health organizations like the WHO and the NHS.

However, critics argue that TikTok continues to prioritize free expression over content accuracy, raising questions about the effectiveness of its moderation policies.

As mental health continues to be a popular topic online, the findings renew debate over how platforms should balance freedom of speech with the responsibility to protect users from harm.

Experts are sounding the alarm over the growing link between social media use and the rise of eating disorders among teenagers.

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are increasingly associated with the promotion of harmful content that glorifies extreme thinness, restrictive dieting, and disordered eating behaviors.

Health professionals, including dietitians and psychiatrists, report a sharp increase in cases of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating—especially among adolescent girls.

French nutritionist Carole Copti notes that addressing social media use is now an essential part of treatment, calling it both a “trigger” and a major “barrier to recovery.”

Trends such as #skinnytok spread dangerous advice, normalizing purging and severe calorie restriction.

Experts are particularly concerned about pseudo-nutrition influencers who dispense unscientific, and sometimes illegal, guidance, often gaining large followings and profiting from these harmful messages.

Psychiatrist Nathalie Godart emphasizes that these influencers often wield more sway over young people than official health institutions.

The monetization of disordered behaviors contributes to a toxic cycle that reinforces and rewards unhealthy practices.

Despite ongoing efforts to report harmful content, clinicians say social platforms rarely act decisively, leading some to recommend that vulnerable patients consider deleting the apps altogether.

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a strong connection between rising social media use and worsening mental health among preteens.

Researchers observed that as children aged 9 to 13 spent more time on social platforms, their symptoms of depression grew significantly in the year that followed.

The study tracked nearly 12,000 participants, relying on self-reported data about social media habits and parent assessments of depressive symptoms.

Findings showed that each annual increase in social media use was associated with a 7% to 9% rise in depression indicators.

Importantly, the researchers found no evidence that depressive symptoms led to more social media use later on—pointing to a likely one-way relationship in which greater usage contributes to emotional decline, not the other way around.

Children who reported higher usage were more likely to exhibit signs of emotional distress, such as ongoing sadness, social isolation, and feelings of hopelessness.

The authors concluded that these findings support growing concerns that social media may play a causal role in deteriorating youth mental health.

Legislative efforts are gaining traction in several U.S. states to require social media platforms to display mental health warnings aimed at teenage users.

The push reflects mounting concern over the psychological effects of prolonged online engagement among adolescents.

In California, lawmakers are reviewing a proposal that would obligate social media platforms to display a mental health warning upon login.

Additionally, the measure would require platforms to pause user activity for 90 seconds after three hours of continuous use, keeping the warning visible during that time.

Backed by the Kids Code Coalition, the proposal seeks to boost awareness around the emotional toll associated with excessive social media use.

Proponents emphasize that, while not a complete solution, warning labels could serve as a meaningful step toward improving transparency and fostering early intervention.

The California bill enjoys bipartisan backing and is scheduled for committee consideration later this month.

Meanwhile, Texas has already seen a similar bill pass its state House, and other states—including New York—are exploring comparable initiatives.

Supporters of these state-level actions hope that collective momentum will influence federal lawmakers to implement nationwide safeguards for young users online.

The multidistrict litigation (MDL) targeting major social media companies continues to grow as more families take legal action over alleged mental health impacts linked to platform usage.

The cases focus on claims that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others have contributed to a surge in mental health struggles—including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation—particularly among teens.

Plaintiffs argue that these companies knowingly failed to mitigate the psychological risks associated with their platforms’ addictive features and algorithm-driven content.

In the past month alone, 42 new cases have been added to the MDL.

Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 813 lawsuits have joined the litigation, demonstrating a steady upward trend.

Young users and their families continue to speak out, seeking accountability from tech companies for the emotional and psychological toll tied to prolonged and compulsive social media use.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

A recent nationwide survey reveals a deepening mental health crisis among teens, with increasing concern over the effects of social media.

Nearly half of U.S. teenagers (48%) now believe social media has a largely negative influence on their age group—up markedly from 32% just three years ago.

In addition, 45% of teens admit to spending excessive time on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

Teenage girls appear to be the most affected, reporting more significant mental and emotional challenges linked to their online activity.

One in four teen girls say their mental health has declined because of social media use, compared to 14% of teen boys.

Sleep disruption is also prevalent: 50% of girls and 40% of boys report that time spent online is interfering with their rest.

Emotional struggles such as feeling left out, overwhelmed, or pressured are common.

Around 39% of teens say they feel weighed down by online drama, and nearly one-third feel compelled to post content that will earn approval or attention from others.

Girls, in particular, report more frequent feelings of social exclusion and dissatisfaction with their lives due to what they see online.

Even though some teens are making efforts to reduce their screen time, many continue to grapple with the lure of social media.

The growing number of adolescents who acknowledge overuse highlights an escalating dependence—and the psychological consequences that come with it.

A federal judge has invalidated an Ohio statute that sought to restrict minors’ access to social media without parental approval, ruling that the law infringes upon constitutional rights.

On April 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley sided with NetChoice—a coalition representing major tech firms such as Meta, Google, and X (formerly Twitter).

The decision blocks the enforcement of legislation that would have mandated social media platforms to secure parental consent before allowing users under 16 to engage with their services.

It also required platforms to inform parents about their content moderation procedures.

While Judge Marbley acknowledged the state’s interest in safeguarding children online, he determined that the law’s broad scope risked violating the First Amendment rights of both minors and their guardians.

He emphasized that such restrictions, though well-intentioned, could suppress protected forms of expression.

This ruling arrives amidst a broader legal battle sweeping the nation.

Thousands of families have filed lawsuits accusing social media platforms of deploying addictive algorithms that allegedly contribute to a rise in mental health challenges among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and self-injury.

To date, over 1,500 of these cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation in California.

On April 14, 2025, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent over ten hours testifying in a major antitrust lawsuit brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The case challenges Meta’s previous acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing that the company sought to suppress competition and solidify its dominance in the social networking sphere.

The FTC contends that internal company documents reveal Meta considered divesting Instagram in 2018, allegedly to sidestep regulatory concerns.

This, the agency suggests, signals Meta’s awareness of its potentially monopolistic behavior.

In contrast, Meta defends its acquisition strategy as lawful and aimed at enhancing the user experience by fostering innovation and creating a more integrated platform ecosystem.

Though the central focus of the case is antitrust law, its ramifications could influence other legal arenas, particularly lawsuits accusing social media firms of harming youth mental health.

Meta, alongside other tech giants, is currently facing legal challenges that claim their platforms are intentionally engineered to encourage excessive use among young users, potentially exacerbating mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

These mental health lawsuits and the antitrust case remain legally distinct.

However, they converge around a shared narrative: that Meta may have prioritized growth and engagement metrics over consumer well-being.

Evidence presented in the antitrust trial regarding Meta’s strategic planning and internal communications could potentially bolster arguments in the mental health suits by revealing similar patterns of decision-making.

A verdict against Meta in the antitrust case wouldn’t directly determine the outcomes of the mental health lawsuits.

Still, it could influence how courts, regulators, and the public assess corporate responsibility within the tech sector.

Increased scrutiny might follow regarding how digital platforms are structured and promoted, especially to minors.

As litigation progresses, the outcomes are poised to shape the regulatory landscape and define the extent to which social media companies are held accountable for the societal impacts of their business practices.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

Washington state is taking bold steps to address the growing youth mental health crisis by proposing a new tax on major social media companies.

House Bill 2038, scheduled to take effect in early 2026, would apply a 0.4% tax on the Washington-based income of large, for-profit companies operating social media platforms.

The revenue—estimated at $45 million over six years—would go into the newly established Youth Behavioral Health Account to support services for individuals from birth through age 25.

Funds would be used to expand school-based therapy, telehealth access, and resources for youth with complex mental health needs, while also implementing the state’s forthcoming youth mental health plan.

The bill also creates a leadership role, the Chief Officer of Youth Behavioral Health, to coordinate care efforts across education, health, and child welfare systems.

Small businesses and nonprofits earning under $125,000 annually would be exempt from the tax.

Supporters say the law responds to the mental health harms linked to social media use.

However, tech industry groups have pushed back, arguing that the bill may conflict with the Internet Tax Freedom Act and raises concerns over how “social media platform” is defined.

Despite the opposition, HB 2038 is seen as a long-term commitment to improve mental health outcomes in a state with some of the lowest access to youth care nationwide.

A recent study in the Journal of Affective Disorders has found that 40% of children and teens being treated for depression or suicidal ideation report problematic social media use.

Led by Dr. Madhukar Trevadi at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the study surveyed 489 young patients and linked heavy social media use to worsening symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

These findings add critical support to the more than 1,500 lawsuits filed against social media companies like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

Plaintiffs allege that these platforms were designed to encourage addictive behavior through algorithmic manipulation, especially among vulnerable users.

In October 2022, all federal social media mental health lawsuits were consolidated under Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the Northern District of California.

Judge Rogers recently allowed negligence and wrongful death claims to proceed, advancing the litigation toward trial.

This new research underscores key arguments that social media companies prioritized engagement metrics over user safety, contributing to serious youth mental health outcomes.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Florida’s 2024 social media law, stating the tech industry groups behind the case failed to prove legal standing.

The ruling leaves the law temporarily in place, though plaintiffs have until March 31 to revise and refile.

The lawsuit was brought by NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represent companies like Meta and Google.

They argue the law violates the First Amendment by limiting minors’ access to online platforms.

However, the court did not rule on the constitutional issues, instead focusing on whether the plaintiffs showed a direct impact to their members.

The law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15.

It targets platforms based on features like algorithmic feeds and addictive design.

Although enforcement was paused pending litigation, the legal battle is far from over as plaintiffs plan to amend their case and continue challenging the law’s restrictions.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit continues to gain momentum, with a significant rise in filings between March and April 2025.

1,464 lawsuits had been filed as of March 1st, 2025.

By April 1st, that number had increased to 1,745—an addition of 281 new cases.

This sharp growth underscores escalating public concern over how social media platforms impact users’ mental health.

The litigation claims that companies behind platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat knowingly used addictive algorithms, exposed users to harmful content, and failed to implement safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals—especially teens and young adults.

As more families come forward, this case is shaping into one of the most impactful technology lawsuits of the decade.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that challenged Arkansas Act 689, a 2023 law intended to limit minors’ access to social media.

The law requires platforms to verify users’ ages and block those under 18 without parental consent.

The tech industry group NetChoice, which represents companies like Meta and TikTok, filed the suit claiming the law violated First Amendment rights and was overly broad.

A temporary block was granted in August 2023 due to constitutional concerns.

However, U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks has now dismissed the case, ruling that NetChoice lacked standing because the law never went into effect and caused no current harm.

While this decision halts the immediate legal challenge, it does not prevent future lawsuits if the law is enforced or revised.

As states continue to explore restrictions on youth access to social media, this case may shape future legal battles over digital rights and safety.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

New research is reinforcing concerns over the mental health impact of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

A recent study published in BMC Psychiatry links heavy social media use to narcissism, body dysmorphia, and even delusional thinking, raising alarms about how these platforms affect users’ perception of themselves and reality.

Meanwhile, the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teens who spend more than seven hours per day on screens face higher risks of anxiety, depression, and low overall well-being.

In contrast, real-life friendships were associated with better mental health outcomes.

These findings are fueling ongoing litigation, where over 1,500 lawsuits allege that social media companies intentionally designed addictive algorithms that harm young users.

School districts have also joined the fight, seeking compensation for the rising costs of student mental health services.

The first bellwether trials in this multidistrict litigation are set to begin in 2026, and the results could shape future settlements and accountability for tech companies.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

New research from Simon Fraser University suggests a strong link between heavy social media use and psychiatric disorders involving delusions, such as narcissism, body dysmorphic disorder, and anorexia.

The study, published in BMC Psychiatry, analyzed over 2,500 academic papers and found that social media platforms may allow users to maintain distorted self-perceptions without real-world checks, potentially worsening these conditions.

Researchers say that social media isn’t the root cause, but it creates an environment where delusions can thrive.

Popular platforms’ features encourage self-promotion and unrealistic self-presentation, making it easier for users to sustain exaggerated or inaccurate self-images.

The study highlights how social media’s immersive nature, especially when paired with real-world isolation, can amplify mental health struggles.

One of the study’s authors, Professor Bernard Crespi, explains that in-person interactions help prevent delusions.

Still, social media removes that reality check, allowing users to reinforce unhealthy self-perceptions.

The study also suggests that new technologies, like eye-contact interfaces and 3D interactions, could help make online interactions feel more grounded in reality.

As concerns over social media’s mental health effects grow, this research adds to the ongoing discussion about how digital environments shape self-identity.

Experts call for further studies on the specific platform features contributing to these issues and how they can be modified to support healthier online interactions.

With legal cases already emerging against major social media companies over their impact on youth mental health, this new research may provide additional support for claims that platforms contribute to psychiatric harm.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

A Utah judge has ruled that the state’s lawsuit against TikTok will proceed, rejecting the company’s motion to dismiss the case.

The lawsuit, filed by the Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection in June 2024, accuses TikTok of promoting the sexual exploitation of minors.

The complaint claims TikTok functions “like a virtual strip club,” allowing young users to be exploited sexually in exchange for virtual gifts.

TikTok attempted to have the case dismissed, citing jurisdictional concerns and federal protections that shield it as a platform for third-party content.

However, Utah District Judge Coral Sanchez dismissed these arguments, stating that TikTok’s deliberate commercial activity and financial gain from Utah users placed it under the state’s jurisdiction.

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown expressed appreciation for the ruling, highlighting the state’s dedication to protecting minors from harm.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

New research from the University of Amsterdam underscores the urgent need to address the potential mental harm social media may be causing among young people, a pressing issue in ongoing litigations against major social media platforms.

The study’s findings underscore the potential harm of social media use on the mental health of adolescents and young adults.

The study reveals that young adults are particularly susceptible to social validation and rejection, with their engagement on social media platforms directly impacting their mood, self-esteem, and brain activity.

Published in Science Advances, the study examined over 1.6 million Instagram posts, conducted experimental mood assessments, and utilized neuroimaging to explore how likes and social feedback affect users.

The results emphasize the heightened emotional impact on adolescents from social media interactions, with the absence of likes potentially leading to lower self-esteem and depressive symptoms.

Researchers suggest that compulsive engagement with platforms may amplify anxiety and reinforce addictive behaviors.

These findings align with growing legal arguments that social media companies design platforms to exploit psychological vulnerabilities, particularly among young users.

Litigation efforts claim that features like engagement-driven algorithms and validation metrics encourage compulsive use, raising questions about corporate responsibility and potential harm.

Experts argue that addressing these issues is not only possible but necessary, and may require industry reforms and improved digital literacy education for young users, offering a hopeful path forward.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media.

A California state court has ruled that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act does not protect social media companies from lawsuits challenging the design of their platforms.

This decision could have major implications for ongoing legal battles related to mental health harms allegedly linked to these platforms.

Judge Carolyn Kuhl rejected a motion to dismiss a consolidated multi-district litigation (MDL) that involves personal injury claims, allowing the case to move forward.

The bellwether trial is currently set for late 2025.

Originally enacted in 1996, Section 230 was designed to shield online platforms from liability for content posted by third-party users.

While it contains certain exceptions—such as for illegal content—it has long served as a core defense for social media companies.

However, in this case and similar lawsuits, plaintiffs argue that the issue goes beyond user-generated content.

Instead, they claim that social media algorithms actively promote harmful material, contribute to mental health struggles, and foster addictive behaviors.

According to the lawsuits, these alleged harms stem from the companies’ own design decisions, which plaintiffs contend fall outside of Section 230 protections.

This ruling follows a series of 2024 decisions in other state and municipal courts where judges similarly rejected social media companies’ reliance on Section 230.

In those cases, courts determined that the law does not provide blanket immunity, particularly when lawsuits target business practices—such as how platforms’ algorithms curate and distribute content—rather than individual user posts.

Judge Kuhl’s decision reflects this broader legal trend, reinforcing the idea that Section 230 does not offer absolute protection when it comes to platform design.

For plaintiffs seeking accountability in mental health-related claims against social media companies, this ruling marks an important step forward.

It signals a growing judicial willingness to scrutinize how algorithmic features and platform structures contribute to potential harm, increasing the likelihood that such lawsuits will progress.

The decision also underscores a shifting legal landscape in which courts are making distinctions between liability for content and responsibility for platform design.

As the MDL proceeds through discovery and pre-trial phases, its outcomes could set influential legal precedents.

While the bellwether trial is expected to clarify key issues, delays are likely as social media companies continue to challenge these claims.

This ruling has the potential to significantly impact the accountability of social media platforms, especially in cases related to mental health effects.

For affected individuals and families, it represents an opportunity to hold these companies responsible for how their design and algorithmic choices influence users.

The case’s developments could ultimately shape future regulations and policies regarding online platform safety.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Thursday that it has referred a complaint about Snap Inc.’s AI feature to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The complaint alleges that Snapchat’s young users have been harmed by the company’s AI-powered chatbot, “My AI. “

This unusual public disclosure highlights the FTC’s concern that Snapchat may be violating or on the verge of violating federal law and the terms of a 2014 settlement with the agency.

While the FTC didn’t specify how the “My AI” chatbot may have harmed young users, it said that making the referral public was in the public interest.

According to the FTC, its investigation uncovered “reason to believe” that Snap is breaking the law.

Snapchat resisted the allegations.

A Snapchat spokesperson said My AI was built with “rigorous safety and privacy processes” and criticized the FTC’s complaint for “lacking concrete evidence.”

The company also expressed concern that the agency’s actions misrepresented its efforts to create a safe and transparent product, warning that such regulatory moves could stifle innovation.

The decision to refer the case was approved by the FTC’s three Democratic commissioners in a closed-door meeting.

The case, filed as United States of America v. Snap Inc., brings fresh attention to regulators’ challenges in overseeing AI tools on social media.

As the DOJ considers the FTC’s allegations, the case could have significant implications for how companies balance innovation, user safety, and free speech, providing crucial insights into the future of AI regulation.

The case underscores regulatory concerns about AI tools and their potential psychological risks, which plaintiffs may cite to argue that companies failed to anticipate or mitigate these harms.

A government finding against Snap Inc. could also set a precedent for liability and influence future legal standards for AI and social media safety.

If your child has suffered from social media addiction, mental health disorders, an eating disorder, or other health issues related to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to file a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit.

Parents of teenage users who have tragically taken their own life as a result of mental health problems linked to social media usage may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

The fate of TikTok in the United States remains in flux as the Supreme Court deliberates the constitutionality of a recently passed law requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its U.S. operations.

If upheld, this legislation could significantly restrict access to the platform as early as January 19.

Passed with bipartisan support as a national security measure, the law targets companies like Apple and Google and cloud providers like Oracle.

It mandates that they cease hosting, distributing, or updating TikTok.

While users who already have the app installed will not lose immediate access, the app’s performance is likely to deteriorate over time without updates or bug fixes.

TikTok would also be removed from app stores, preventing new downloads and security enhancements.

The legislation does not criminalize individual use of TikTok, but technical barriers—such as the need to rely on VPNs or alternative download sources—are expected to discourage most users.

President Biden retains the authority to extend the divestiture deadline by 90 days if ByteDance demonstrates significant progress toward compliance.

However, the company is unlikely to meet the high bar set by the legislation.

At the same time, President-elect Trump has requested a delay in enforcement, seeking additional time to negotiate a political resolution after assuming office on January 20.

This situation carries substantial implications for current and future social media-related mental health lawsuits.

While the potential ban would not retroactively impact existing cases, the inability to access TikTok in the U.S. could diminish future claims tied to the platform as its influence and user base diminish.

As this scenario continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly shape the legal landscape for individuals seeking compensation for alleged mental health harms caused by TikTok.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media.

A recently unsealed version of the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit filed by the state of Utah against TikTok highlights serious concerns about the company’s awareness of potential child sexual exploitation and money laundering activities linked to its live-streaming feature, TikTok LIVE.

The unredacted lawsuit was released on January 3rd by Utah’s Attorney General’s office.

Utah accuses TikTok of disregarding expert warnings about the platform’s misuse and choosing to prioritize revenue over the safety of users, particularly minors.

The lawsuit, filed in June 2024, claims TikTok profited from troubling activities enabled by its virtual currency system.

These activities include children bypassing age restrictions to host live sessions and engaging in sexualized content in exchange for virtual gifts, which could be redeemed for money.

Through an internal investigation, TikTok also discovered that its virtual gifting system facilitated criminal activity, such as money laundering and drug sales, for organized crime groups, the lawsuit alleges.

Additionally, TikTok also reportedly discovered that minors were receiving concerning messages from adults during these sessions.

Utah claims that TikTok ignored red flags raised by interactions between minors and adult users who encouraged them to engage in provocative acts for money.

TikTok rejects the allegations in its defense, stating that the lawsuit misrepresents the company’s efforts to protect its users.

TikTok points to its community guidelines, safety features for parents, and consistent enforcement of its policies as evidence of its commitment to maintaining a safe platform.

Bipartisan attorneys general from more than a dozen states sued TikTok last fall, accusing the app of exploiting minors.

Utah also filed another lawsuit against TikTok in October, accusing the platform’s algorithms of being addictive and harmful to youth.

This lawsuit is part of a growing legal movement across the U.S. that aims to hold social media platforms accountable for the safety and mental health of minors, with the outcome potentially influencing future regulations in the tech industry.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media.

The number of lawsuits related to social media mental addiction in the MDL increased from 815 in December 2024 to 974 in January 2025, reflecting a rise of 159 new cases.

This growth in filings indicates increasing public awareness of the lawsuit and a growing trend toward holding social media companies accountable for the alleged harm caused by their platforms.

Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits address the responsibility of social media companies in designing addictive features that may contribute to mental health challenges, particularly among vulnerable groups like teenagers and young adults.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta achieved a preliminary victory in defending Senate Bill (SB) 976, known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act.

A federal court upheld most provisions of the law, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, which seeks to address social media addiction in children and teens by limiting addictive algorithms, notifications, and design features designed to increase screen time.

SB 976 aims to disrupt social media companies’ engagement-maximizing tactics, which critics link to negative mental health effects in young users.

“This addiction is no accident; it’s driven by algorithms deployed by Big Tech,” said Attorney General Bonta.

The law is designed to empower families to manage children’s social media use and foster healthier technology habits.

Although most provisions were upheld, the court temporarily blocked two sections on free speech grounds.

Attorney General Bonta disagreed with this aspect of the ruling, asserting that SB 976 does not regulate speech.

The California Department of Justice plans to appeal the decision and remains committed to defending the bipartisan law, which has garnered support from educators, public health advocates, and parents.

This legal milestone highlights the growing scrutiny of Big Tech as lawsuits targeting social media’s impact on youth mental health advance, emphasizing the need for greater accountability in protecting vulnerable users.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media.

A recent study conducted in England found that teenagers with public social media profiles are 39% more likely to experience anxiety and depression than their peers with private accounts or no social media presence.

The research, which included over 16,000 adolescents, also highlighted the positive impact of active parental involvement in mitigating these mental health risks.

Teens with supportive and engaged parents reported fewer challenges, while those with stricter or less present parental guidance were less protected.

The findings underscore the critical need to understand the influence of social media and online behavior on adolescent mental health.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing. 

The increasing impact of social media on youth mental health has prompted growing legal and regulatory actions against major platforms.

These efforts address concerns over data privacy, psychological harm, and corporate accountability.

Court Ruling on TikTok

A U.S. appeals court recently upheld a law requiring TikTok’s parent company to sell its U.S. operations, citing national security and user data privacy risks.

The ruling specifically addresses the need to protect sensitive data, particularly from minors, and may pave the way for stricter regulations on social media companies.

Class-Action Lawsuit Against TikTok

TikTok faces a class-action lawsuit alleging it bypassed age verification systems to collect and monetize children’s data.

Plaintiffs claim the platform exploited young users while disregarding child privacy protections.

Experts believe this case could lead to tighter enforcement of child privacy laws and greater accountability for social media platforms.

Florida Legislation Targets Social Media Practices

Florida lawmakers are moving forward with Senate Bill 3, which aims to regulate how platforms like TikTok and Instagram promote content.

The bill would increase transparency around algorithms and hold companies accountable for their contributions to youth mental health challenges.

Social Media and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Studies show social media amplifies unrealistic beauty standards, contributing to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in teenagers.

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are often linked to obsessive behaviors and negative self-image, prompting calls for public education and stricter regulations.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media.

In November, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) recorded 620 case filings for the Social Media Mental Health lawsuit.

This number grew to 815 in December, showing an increase of 195 cases.

The lawsuit involves allegations that social media platforms have exacerbated mental health problems, especially among adolescents and young adults.

Claims suggest that addictive algorithms, harmful content, and lack of proper safety measures are contributing factors.

The sharp increase in case filings may be due to rising public awareness, active advocacy, and emerging research on the impact of social media on mental health.

As the Social Media Mental Health multidistrict litigation continues to unfold, it draws increasing national attention as more individuals and families seek justice for the harm caused by these platforms.

If your child has suffered from social media addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, or other health issues due to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to file a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for legal action instantly.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled on October 25, 2024, that lawsuits filed by school districts against leading social media companies may proceed, based on claims that these platforms encouraged addictive behaviors in students.

Defendants Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap face accusations that their design choices and content algorithms foster compulsive use patterns, which school districts allege have harmed educational settings and students’ well-being.

The lawsuits claim these companies used manipulative tactics to retain young users’ attention, which school districts argue contributes to a growing mental health crisis.

Judge Rogers allowed these claims to advance, stating that the alleged actions have strained educational systems.

However, some claims were dismissed under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects internet platforms from responsibility for user-generated content.

While Rogers’ ruling supports the school districts’ claims, it contrasts with a decision earlier this year by Los Angeles Superior Court, which rejected similar claims from Los Angeles districts.

This ruling permits more than 150 lawsuits to proceed while excluding claims from Los Angeles-based entities, thus narrowing the litigation.

In the Social Media MDL, 26 additional cases were filed in the last month, bringing the total to 620 cases by November.

If your child has suffered from social media addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, or other health issues due to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to file a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for legal action instantly.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing. 

On October 17, 2024, a Massachusetts judge rejected Meta’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

The lawsuit, initiated in October 2023, claims that Meta’s design of Instagram fosters harmful social media addiction among children and teens.

The court ruled that the case focuses on Meta’s platform design and practices rather than user content, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

This case is part of a broader wave of legal actions against social media giants, with over 600 similar claims filed across the U.S. against companies like Meta, Google, YouTube, Snap, and TikTok.

These lawsuits argue that these platforms are intentionally designed to maximize engagement and addiction, leading to severe mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more, especially among teens.

Meta had attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing it was not responsible for third-party content.

However, Suffolk County Superior Court Justice Peter B. Krupp ruled that the lawsuit is based on Meta’s own design choices and internal knowledge of the harm caused by its platform.

The suit alleges Meta knew about the negative impact on young users but failed to take meaningful action to reduce risks.

Similar individual personal injury claims are part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in California, overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, with bellwether trials expected in 2026.

If your child has suffered from social media addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, or other health issues due to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to file a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for legal action instantly.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing. 

The expanding litigation against social media giants for their impact on youth mental health now includes new cases filed by Indigenous tribes and state officials nationwide.

A coalition of Native American tribes, including the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, has filed lawsuits targeting major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.

The tribes argue that these companies violate state laws and exploit vulnerable youth through manipulative and addictive practices.

The lawsuits claim that social media algorithms are engineered to keep young users engaged, exposing them to harmful content and negatively impacting their mental health.

In North Dakota, the Spirit Lake, Turtle Mountain, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, and Standing Rock tribes have also joined the consolidated litigation.

Separate investigations by state attorneys general have uncovered internal documents from TikTok revealing that the company was aware of the negative effects its platform could have on youth.

Research by TikTok confirmed its app’s addictive nature and its role in causing anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other harmful outcomes among teens.

However, instead of implementing meaningful changes, TikTok has focused on superficial time-management tools and public relations efforts.

If your child has experienced social media addiction, mental health issues, eating disorders, or other conditions related to excessive social media use, you may qualify to file a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit. 

Parents of teens who tragically lost their lives due to social media-related mental health problems may also be eligible to pursue wrongful death claims.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant evaluation of your case.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing. 

Social media giants like TikTok and YouTube are increasingly under legal scrutiny for their impact on children’s privacy and mental health.

Multiple states have filed lawsuits, raising serious concerns about how these platforms affect youth.

In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued TikTok, alleging violations of children’s privacy laws by sharing personal information without parental consent.

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties under the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, with fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

Similarly, Arkansas has filed a lawsuit against YouTube and its parent company, Alphabet, accusing them of contributing to a youth mental health crisis.

The state claims the platform’s addictive nature and harmful content have forced Arkansas to spend millions on mental health services for young users.

Additionally, a coalition of states, led by California and New York, has taken legal action against TikTok, arguing that the platform is designed to be addictive and has harmed children’s mental health.

The lawsuits highlight TikTok’s promotion of dangerous challenges and unrealistic beauty filters, which negatively impact young girls’ body image, leading to eating disorders and body dysmorphia.

If your child has suffered from social media addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, or other health issues due to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to file a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit. 

Parents of teens who have tragically lost their lives due to social media-related mental health issues may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit focuses on claims that major social media platforms are contributing to worsening mental health, especially among teenagers and young adults.

Plaintiffs argue that companies like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have intentionally designed their platforms to be addictive and have failed to warn users about the potential psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

In September, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) reported 584 active Social Media Mental Health lawsuits.

By October, that number had risen to 594, reflecting a modest increase of 10 cases. Key dates have been established for the first trial, expected in 2026.

According to Case Management Order (CMO) 19, important deadlines include:

• May 16, 2025: Plaintiffs’ expert report is due.
• May 23, 2025: Identification of the bellwether trial pool.
• July 9, 2025: Defendants’ expert report is due.
• September 4, 2025: Daubert Motions.

Within the next year, the litigation’s progress will become clearer, with the first trial anticipated as early as the second quarter of 2026.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action.

These lawsuits aim to hold social media companies like Facebook (Meta), Instagram, and TikTok (ByteDance) accountable for their role in putting teen mental health at risk, seeking compensation for victims.

The belief that future improvements can mitigate these issues suggests a growing demand for more responsible and user-friendly social media environments.

If you or a loved one has been affected by the negative impacts of social media on mental health, contact TruLaw for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

The Social Media Mental Health MDL combines governmental entities and individual plaintiffs, presenting unique challenges.

Governments pursue claims related to widespread mental health issues and increased healthcare costs, while individuals allege direct harm such as depression, anxiety, or suicide.

This structure raises concerns about resource allocation and settlement negotiations. Governmental cases may overshadow personal injury claims, potentially delaying justice for individuals.

The divergent goals of these plaintiff groups could complicate settlements, as government entities seek broader policy changes while individuals focus on compensation for specific mental health injuries.

A tentative trial date for social media mental health lawsuits emerges for January 2026.

The schedule outlines critical milestones, including document production completion by November 2024 and expert report deadlines throughout 2025.

Bellwether trial pools will be identified by May 2025.

This timeline creates pressure for potential settlements, addressing the mental health impacts of social media use.

The path to trial signals progress toward resolving claims of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues allegedly caused by social media platforms.

The state of New Mexico has initiated a lawsuit against Snap, Inc., the company behind Snapchat, accusing it of facilitating child exploitation, sexual abuse, and trafficking on its platform.

Filed earlier this month in the First Judicial District Court of Santa Fe, the lawsuit claims that Snapchat’s design and algorithms enable predators to target children for extortion and abuse, while misleading users about the platform’s safety.

The lawsuit argues that Snapchat is the most widely used platform for child exploitation, with features that allow predators to connect with minors, extort explicit content, and distribute it through criminal networks, including the Dark Web.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez highlighted the platform’s dangerous design, stating it makes it easy for predators to target and manipulate minors.

The lawsuit follows an undercover investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice, revealing Snapchat’s frequent use in various extortion schemes.

The state accuses Snap, Inc. of prioritizing profits over child safety by deploying features that encourage exploitation and failing to implement proper protections or age verification.

This lawsuit comes after similar legal actions, such as a social media addiction lawsuit against Meta last year, where several states accused the company of designing features to addict teens and expose them to harmful content.

The claims against Snapchat reflect wider concerns about the negative mental health effects of social media on young users, including anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors.

The belief that future improvements can mitigate these issues suggests a growing demand for more responsible and user-friendly social media environments.

If you or a loved one has been affected by the negative impacts of social media on mental health, contact TruLaw for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

In a significant ruling, a U.S. appeals court has revived a lawsuit against TikTok, filed by the mother of a 10-year-old girl who died after participating in a viral “blackout challenge” on the platform.

The case, involving the tragic death of Nylah Anderson in 2021, challenges the typical legal protections granted to social media companies under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

Tawainna Anderson, Nylah’s mother, claims that TikTok’s algorithm recommended the dangerous challenge to her daughter, contributing to her death.

Although Section 230 usually shields internet companies from liability for user-generated content, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia ruled that this protection does not extend to TikTok’s algorithmic recommendations.

In a decision written by U.S. Circuit Judge Patty Shwartz, the court found that TikTok’s algorithm represents “first-party speech,” meaning the company’s promotion of specific content is not protected by Section 230, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

Meanwhile, the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit, which focuses on claims that excessive social media use has contributed to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, has seen an increase in filings.

There were 557 active cases in August 2024, which rose to 584 by September.

This rise suggests growing awareness of the negative impact of social media on mental health, especially among younger users.

The increase in filings highlights the importance of seeking legal counsel if social media use has caused significant mental health challenges for you or a loved one.

The belief that future improvements can mitigate these issues suggests a growing demand for more responsible and user-friendly social media environments.

If you or a loved one has been affected by the negative impacts of social media on mental health, contact TruLaw for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing. 

A survey of 2,000 Gen Z Americans by Talker Research, commissioned by LG Electronics, provides valuable insights into the relationship between social media use and mental health.

Key Findings from the Research include:

• Mental Health Concerns: 75% of Gen Z users believe that social media negatively affects their mental health.
• Negative Emotions: Nearly half (49%) experience stress and anxiety from social media use.
• Impactful Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are identified as the platforms with the most negative impact.
• Time Spent: Gen Z spends an average of 5.5 hours per day on social media.
• Content Issues: 62% wish they could reset their social media feeds, and 54% feel they lack control over what appears.
• Positive Aspects: Despite the negatives, 80% find positive emotions from content like comedy and animal videos.
• Future Optimism: 38% believe that social media platforms could improve their impact on mental health in the next five years.

Despite the negative impact, many users continue to engage with social media for entertainment and connection, even as they feel a loss of control over the content they see.

This ongoing struggle mirrors broader concerns in the current Social Media lawsuit, where the impact of platform algorithms on user well-being is increasingly under public scrutiny.

The belief that future improvements can mitigate these issues suggests a growing demand for more responsible and user-friendly social media environments.

If you or a loved one has been affected by the negative impacts of social media on mental health, contact TruLaw for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit is ongoing, with numerous groups suing social media giants. 

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has joined the growing legal battle against major social media companies, alleging their platforms contribute to a mental health crisis among Indigenous youth.

This lawsuit targets Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, Google, and YouTube, asserting that these companies knowingly designed their platforms to be addictive and harmful to young users.

The Senate recently passed two landmark bills, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), aimed at enhancing online privacy and safety for children.

These bills require digital platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to children, including bullying and sexual exploitation, and expand privacy protections to include teenagers up to 16 years old.

The lawsuit filed by the tribe highlights the disproportionate mental health issues faced by Indigenous youth, exacerbated by social media usage.

Suicide rates among Native American youth have surged by 70% in the past decade, making suicide the second-leading cause of death for this group.

The lawsuit claims that social media platforms amplify these issues by promoting negative appearance comparisons and unrealistic beauty standards, particularly affecting female tribal teens.

Lawyers representing the Fond du Lac Band argue that social media companies failed to disclose the harmful nature of their platforms and used psychologically manipulative features to keep young users engaged.

The lawsuit seeks financial damages to fund mental health resources and programming tailored to Indigenous communities.

A recent lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California by a minor from New York seeks class-action status against Meta.

This lawsuit alleges that Instagram’s features were intentionally designed to be addictive, causing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and lower academic performance.

The plaintiff is seeking $5 billion in damages and calls for Meta to implement stricter protections for minors.

Meta and Google have responded to the allegations by emphasizing their efforts to create safer online environments for young users, including implementing age verification technologies and parental control features.

However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient to mitigate the profound negative impacts on youth mental health.

If you or a loved one has been affected by mental health issues related to social media use, contact TruLaw for a free consultation. 

Use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for a lawsuit instantly.

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.

The Social Media Harm Lawsuit involves claims against major social media companies for contributing to mental health issues among users.

Plaintiffs argue that the platforms’ algorithms and features worsen conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

In July, there were 499 filings in the Social Media Mental Health lawsuit, which increased to 557 by August.

This rise in filings reflects growing awareness of the potential mental health impacts linked to social media use and more individuals seeking legal action.

Social media platforms are designed to maximize user engagement, often resulting in excessive use.

This overuse can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.

The addictive nature of social media and exposure to negative content have led many affected individuals to file lawsuits against social media companies, underscoring the mental health risks involved.

Contact TruLaw 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.

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.

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has filed a significant lawsuit against the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, accusing them of contributing to the rise in mental health issues and suicide rates among Indigenous youth.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, is part of a broader trend, following similar actions by 33 states.

The complaint presents scientific evidence and warnings from experts linking social media use to mental health problems in young people.

Attorneys for the tribe argue that these social media platforms were designed to be addictive, despite the known risks.

Indigenous youth, who already face significant mental health challenges and have access to fewer resources, experience suicide rates five times higher than those of white youth.

The lawsuit seeks financial support to improve mental health services and education within tribal communities.

Google and Meta have denied the allegations, emphasizing their initiatives to enhance online safety for teens.

Contact TruLaw 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.

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 TruLaw 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.

Several Long Island school districts are suing TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, alleging these platforms are “addictive and dangerous,” contributing to mental health issues among young students.

This legal action aligns with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for warning labels on social media due to their association with significant mental health harms for adolescents.

Eleven school districts claim social media platforms have caused financial and resource disruptions, necessitating the hiring of on-site mental health professionals.

Nicholas Ciappetta, President of the South Huntington Board of Education, noted that disruptive social media posts have significantly impacted the school environment.

William Shinoff, a California lawyer representing about 1,000 school districts nationwide, mentioned that over two dozen other districts in the Long Island area plan to file similar lawsuits.

In response, a Google spokesperson stated that the allegations against YouTube are “simply not true” and highlighted their efforts to provide safer, healthier experiences for young people.

A Snapchat representative acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve safety and support for adolescents on their platform.

If you or someone you care for has been prescribed Ozempic and/or Wegovy, or any compounded versions of these medications, and have since developed gastroparesis (a condition leading to stomach paralysis) or other related health issues, you may be eligible to submit a claim in the Ozempic Lawsuit.

Contact Keith Law Group for a free consultation and more information on Ozempic Lawsuit claims.

Use the chatbot for a free and confidential case evaluation.

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 someone you care for has been prescribed Ozempic and/or Wegovy, or any compounded versions of these medications, and have since developed gastroparesis (a condition leading to stomach paralysis) or other related health issues, you may be eligible to submit a claim in the Ozempic Lawsuit.

Contact Keith Law Group for a free consultation and more information on Ozempic Lawsuit claims.

Use the chatbot for a free and confidential case evaluation.

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 you care for has been prescribed Ozempic and/or Wegovy, or any compounded versions of these medications, and have since developed gastroparesis (a condition leading to stomach paralysis) or other related health issues, you may be eligible to submit a claim in the Ozempic Lawsuit.

Contact Keith Law Group for a free consultation and more information on Ozempic Lawsuit claims.

Use the chatbot for a free and confidential case evaluation.

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

Almost 500 lawsuits have been initiated against prominent social media corporations, including Meta, Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, YouTube LLC, Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and ByteDance Inc.

These legal actions assert that the design of social media platforms is deliberately optimized to increase user engagement, which leads to addiction and significant mental health problems among adolescents.

The plaintiffs, comprising parents, school districts, and state attorneys general, claim that these companies have neglected the detrimental impacts on young users.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has been assigned to oversee these cases, which have been consolidated in the Northern District of California.

The first bellwether trial in the Social Media Addiction MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) is set to commence on October 25, 2025

The selection of bellwether cases anticipated by February 6, 2025. 

Bellwether trials are pivotal as they offer an early indication of how juries might react to the presented evidence and testimonies, and they play a significant role in shaping the outcomes of subsequent cases in the litigation.

Thirty-five states have joined the litigation, demanding accountability for the mental health expenses attributed to social media addiction.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact Us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is calling on Congress to require health warning labels on social media platforms to tackle the mental health issues prevalent among young people.

Murthy highlights the grave risks like increased anxiety and depression linked to prolonged use of social media, advocating for measures to raise user awareness and safety.

His proposed bill would oblige platforms such as Meta, X/Twitter, TikTok, and Snap to display digital warning labels that outline the possible adverse effects on mental health, especially for adolescents who are particularly susceptible to these negative impacts.

Furthermore, Murthy is pushing for legislation that would mandate social media companies to publicly share all data on health impacts and permit independent scientists to conduct unbiased studies on this data.

He draws an analogy to the health warnings seen on tobacco products, suggesting that similar warnings on social media could lead to more informed decisions by users.

Murthy envisions these warnings could be implemented as pop-up messages on sites, similar to cookie notifications, or included in app descriptions in digital stores.

Details regarding how these regulations would be enforced and complied with are still being debated.

Additionally, it has not yet been determined which platforms would be officially categorized as ‘social media’ under the new regulations.

This initiative is part of a wider examination of social media platforms, which includes regulatory hearings and ongoing discussions about a possible TikTok ban.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact Us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

On June 9, 2024, the New York State Legislature passed two significant bills aimed at regulating social media usage by minors.

The first, known as the SAFE (Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation) for Kids Act, requires minors under 18 to have parental consent to access “addictive” social media feeds.

This legislation targets platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, which are known for algorithms that encourage prolonged engagement at the cost of user well-being.

Supporters of the legislation cite a Harvard University study showing that the six largest social media platforms generated $11 billion from targeting ads at minors. T

They also point to research linking social media addiction to increased depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among youths.

The second bill, the New York Child Data Protection Act, bans websites from collecting, selling, or sharing minors’ personal data without informed consent.

For children under 13, this consent must come directly from a parent, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliance.

In related developments, Mississippi will enact a law on July 1 requiring age verification on digital platforms.

Despite unanimous state legislative approval and its intention to shield children from inappropriate content, this law faces opposition and legal challenges from technology companies concerned about its broad impact on content moderation and privacy.

Similar regulatory measures have been introduced in states like Utah, Arkansas, and Texas.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

On June 3, 2024, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform facilitates the sexual exploitation of children through its live streaming features.

The lawsuit claims TikTok Live allows children to perform illicit acts on camera in exchange for payments, with insufficient 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, asserting 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 you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

This month, 20 additional cases were included in the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 3047), raising the total to 475 cases pending, as reported by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

These cases allege that TikTok and other social media platforms have crafted algorithms that intensify the susceptibility of young users to harmful content, contributing to mental health issues and fostering addictive behaviors, while failing to shield users from such content.

If you or someone close to you has experienced mental health issues due to social media use, you might be eligible to file a claim.

Additionally, various states, school districts, and local municipalities are pursuing legal actions against major social media platforms:

• The Mayor of New York City has initiated a lawsuit against Meta, accusing it of contributing to the youth mental health crisis.
• The Muscogee County School District has entered the multidistrict litigation, claiming that social media content has negatively affected students’ learning capabilities in the classroom.
• The state of Utah has sued TikTok, alleging the platform sexually exploits young people.
• Nebraska has launched a lawsuit against TikTok, asserting that the platform’s design deliberately targets minors with addictive features.

If you or a loved one has suffered from mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other health issues linked to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to seek compensation through a lawsuit.

You can also instantly determine if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit by using the chatbot on this page.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing.

Nebraska has initiated legal action against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, alleging that the platform’s design specifically targets minors with addictive features that exacerbate the youth mental health crisis.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers accuses TikTok’s algorithms of promoting content harmful to children, including messages that encourage eating disorders, substance abuse, and inappropriate sexual behavior.

The state contends that despite TikTok’s claims of being “family-friendly,” it exposes young users to dangerous content.

The lawsuit, filed in state court, reveals that fictitious profiles set up by investigators for users aged 13, 15, and 17 quickly encountered content that violates TikTok’s Community Guidelines, which forbid material threatening the safety of young users.

Nebraska’s investigation demonstrates a significant gap between TikTok’s advertised safety measures and the reality of the content minors encounter on their ‘For You’ feeds.

This feature automatically populates users’ feeds with potentially harmful videos without any active searching required by the user.

This case is among multiple lawsuits TikTok faces, including a federal lawsuit stemming from U.S. legislation requiring TikTok to sever ties with ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, within one year.

Over 30 states and the federal government have also banned TikTok on state- or government-owned devices due to similar concerns.

TikTok refutes Nebraska’s allegations, stating it has set industry-leading safeguards for teens, including age-appropriate features, parental controls, and a default 60-minute daily time limit for users under 18.

The company pledges ongoing enhancements to these protections to mitigate industry-wide concerns over youth safety and data privacy.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media.

In a pivotal phase of the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit, federal and California state courts are advancing the proceedings.

A Case Management Conference (CMC) has been scheduled to outline the process for selecting plaintiff representatives.

By June 24th, 24 plaintiffs will be chosen, with the individual fact discovery phase concluding by December 6th.

Following this, the plaintiff group will be narrowed down to 10-12 individuals for the expert discovery phase, with expert conclusions expected by the end of 2025.

Simultaneously, a related case in the California Superior Court under Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl is examining the effects of social media on student behavior.

This litigation involves school districts alleging that major platforms like Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and Google LLC have disrupted educational environments, necessitating increased disciplinary actions and enhanced communication strategies.

The districts claim that these platforms, designed to be addictive, are contributing to behavioral issues such as depression and anxiety among students.

Further complicating matters, some social media-driven trends have resulted in considerable property damage within schools.

The oral arguments have emphasized distinguishing between direct content-related harm and the broader, algorithm-driven behavioral impacts.

The schools are challenging the application of federal liability protections under Section 230, arguing against the exemption of external factors like social media from school-related claims.

The broader legal discussion centers on whether the intentional design of these platforms fosters addiction among youth, thereby necessitating a responsibility on the part of social media companies to counteract the negative impacts on young users’ mental health and education.

Our law firm offers confidential consultations for those affected or considering legal action related to social media addiction and its educational impact.

Contact us today, or use the chatbot on our page to determine if you qualify for the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit.

The Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation continues to progress, with 455 lawsuits currently pending as indicated by the latest filings from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

Over the past month, 16 new cases have been added to the MDL.

The litigation alleges that various social media platforms have contributed to mental health issues among users, especially teenagers and young adults, by promoting addictive behavior and failing to shield users from harmful content.

The lawsuits further claim that these platforms were aware of the detrimental effects of their products but did not take sufficient measures to address these issues.

If you or someone close to you has experienced mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other health issues as a result of excessive use of social media, you might be eligible to pursue compensation through a lawsuit.

Please contact our law firm for a free, confidential consultation.

Additionally, you can immediately find out if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit by using the chatbot on this page.

The Social Media Lawsuit continues to unfold as more individuals and families affected by the adverse impacts of these platforms seek legal recourse. 

In a poignant instance, a 16-year-old from Arkansas tragically took his own life following exposure to numerous TikTok videos promoting suicide and self-harm.

This case is part of a significant number of lawsuits consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), which alleges that TikTok and other social media platforms create algorithms that may increase young users’ susceptibility to harmful content.

The lawsuit brought by the family of the Arkansas teenager claims that TikTok’s algorithm specifically targeted him with dangerous and inappropriate content, which contributed to his decision to end his life.

The legal team representing the teen’s family argues that TikTok’s platform design is inherently flawed, rendering it an “unreasonably dangerous product” for young users.

They assert that the algorithm significantly amplified the teen’s exposure to damaging content, directly impacting his actions.

There is a growing call among parents and lawyers for a reevaluation of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which traditionally protects platforms like TikTok from being held liable for content posted by users.

A recent study indicates that from 2016 to 2021, hospitalizations and emergency room visits for suicide attempts and ideation among children and teens have increased nationally, signaling a concerning trend in youth mental health and raising questions about the role of social media in these issues.

The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit aims to highlight the potential risks of unregulated content recommendations and drive changes to prevent future tragedies.

If you or someone you care about has experienced mental health problems due to social media usage, you might be eligible to file a claim. 

Contact us for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to instantly check your eligibility for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been successful in having several lawsuits dismissed that sought to hold him personally responsible for the alleged addictive properties of social media platforms he oversees.

These dismissed claims are part of a larger legal battle that includes hundreds of lawsuits against companies like Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap.

Despite Zuckerberg’s dismissal, the broader litigation continues, especially regarding allegations that these companies have designed their platforms to be particularly addictive to children.

District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, ruled in Zuckerberg’s favor, determining that the plaintiffs could not establish that he had a personal obligation to protect users.

The court highlighted that corporate law typically shields company executives from personal liability, particularly in large corporations where decision-making is shared among several individuals.

The lawsuits had charged Zuckerberg with disregarding internal concerns about the safety of Facebook and Instagram for children and making public assertions that the platforms were secure.

Nonetheless, Zuckerberg’s defense argued that his statements were either general in nature or protected by the First Amendment’s right to free speech.

This development occurs amidst growing concerns about the influence of social media on the mental health of young people.

In recent years, various entities from school districts to state governments have initiated legal actions against social media companies, attributing them to a mental health crisis among youth.

Although Zuckerberg has been removed from this specific lawsuit, the legal challenges focusing on addiction and other mental health issues affecting young users proceed.

These cases involve major companies such as Meta, Instagram, Snap, TikTok, and Google, and have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Our law firm is actively taking on new clients for the Social Media Lawsuit. 

Contact us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to instantly determine if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit.

The debate over social media’s effect on mental health is intensifying.

Recent filings by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) indicate that 439 lawsuits are now active within the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation.

These lawsuits argue that prominent social media companies have developed platforms that may worsen mental health conditions, especially among younger users.

Allegations point to the design, algorithms, and operational policies of these platforms as factors fostering addiction, reducing self-esteem, and triggering anxiety and depression, among other issues.

The growing concern highlights the accountability of social media firms to protect user mental health and calls for increased industry regulation and monitoring.

If social media usage has negatively impacted you or someone you know, consulting with a legal professional could provide clarity on your rights and potential actions.

Use the chatbot on this site for a private, no-cost case review to instantly determine eligibility for the Social Media Lawsuit.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit continues to unfold.

The number of lawsuits targeting social media corporations are on the rise, with individuals demanding accountability from major networks for various harms and grievances.

Our legal team is actively enrolling clients for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit, as the companies face mounting pressures from numerous directions.

In New York, a state judge has permitted a wrongful death claim to move forward against social media giants, including Meta, Alphabet, Reddit, and 4chan, for their role in the radicalization of the individual behind the 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York.

The judge rejected the platforms’ request for dismissal, recognizing the claims that their algorithm-driven engagement tactics played a part in the gunman’s adoption of destructive beliefs.

The judge pointed out that these media conglomerates profit from the dissemination of violent content, aimed at boosting user interaction.

Simultaneously, in Tennessee, a collective of over 30 public school districts has initiated a lawsuit against various social media networks.

Joining a nationwide movement, hundreds of public educational institutions have launched similar legal challenges, with Tennessee’s largest school districts now participating.

This legal effort seeks to increase the platforms’ accountability and improve the provision of critical resources for child protection, highlighting the gaps in current safeguards, oversight, and regulatory frameworks on these networks.

These lawsuits underline the escalating concerns about the influence of social media on mental well-being and its potential contribution to violence in society.

If you or someone close to you has been affected by mental health issues linked to social media usage, you might have grounds to pursue a claim.

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The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing

The Social Media Addiction MDL has recently seen an increase in activity, with eleven new cases added over the past month, elevating the total from 399 cases as of February 1st to 410 by March, according to the latest updates from the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

This surge reflects growing concerns regarding the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, with the lawsuits alleging that platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat have played a significant role in exacerbating mental health issues among young users.

The core of the allegations points to negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and the creation of a public nuisance by these social media companies through mechanisms that allegedly exploit user engagement to the detriment of mental well-being.

The lawsuits aim to hold these companies accountable for not adequately warning or protecting users, particularly children and young adults, from the potential mental health hazards associated with their platforms.

Individuals who have experienced mental health issues potentially linked to social media use are urged to explore their legal options. 

TruLaw is providing free consultations for those who believe they may be affected and eligible to participate in the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit. 

Immediate assistance is available through the Chat service on this page.  

The Social Media Addiction and Teen Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing.

On February 14th, New York State made headlines by initiating legal action against five major social media platforms, alleging their contribution to worsening the youth mental health crisis.

The lawsuit accuses these companies of culpability through their actions and negligence, asserting they played a part in fostering the mental health challenges faced by young people.

The state calls upon these tech giants to amend their practices and provide compensation for the perceived threat to mental health they’ve purportedly fostered.

This legal move comes shortly after the State Health Commissioner issued an advisory last month, likening unrestricted social media access to a public health danger, drawing parallels with past measures taken against tobacco and firearms.

The advisory recommends limiting social media engagement until children reach 14 years old, and offers guidance to parents, educators, and other influencers on safeguarding children from potential harm.

Mayor Adams underscored the detrimental impact of social media platforms on children’s mental well-being, highlighting how the constant influx of harmful content has contributed to a national crisis in youth mental health.

Corporation Counsel Hinds-Radix criticized the prioritization of profit over children’s welfare by these social media giants, alleging they intentionally designed platforms with addictive features to maximize financial gain.

Dr. Vasan, the commissioner for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), drew a striking comparison between social media and environmental toxins such as lead or air pollution.

The Senate Judiciary Committee recently held a hearing titled “Big Tech and the Crisis of Online Child Sexual Exploitation.”

During this session, CEOs from prominent tech firms, including Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, underwent rigorous questioning concerning the potential harm their products pose to teenagers.

During the hearing, Zuckerberg issued an apology, expressing regret for the pain experienced by affected families and pledging to work collaboratively across the industry to prevent such harm.

The hearing, which featured other executives like Linda Yaccarino from X (formerly Twitter), Shou Zi Chew from TikTok, Evan Spiegel from Snap, and Jason Citron from Discord, concluded after a four-hour examination.

Senate Chair Dick Durbin called for bipartisan legislation to address the crisis of online child sexual exploitation.

Emotional testimonies from parents who tragically lost their children to online harms were also included in the proceedings.

Topics of discussion encompassed platform tools for child protection, Section 230 legal protections, and support for bills such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Stop CSAM Act.

During the hearing, both Zuckerberg and Spiegel personally extended their apologies to families affected by online harm.

The Senate inquiry emphasized concerns about the adverse impact of social media on children’s mental well-being and the proliferation of child sexual abuse materials.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle advocated for a package of bills aimed at bolstering online safety for children, including the STOP CSAM Act.

Internal documents revealed that in 2021, Zuckerberg had rejected requests to expand the child safety team, leading to calls for increased regulatory oversight of tech companies.

TikTok also faced scrutiny regarding its purported ties to the Chinese government, which it vehemently denied.

Critics stressed the necessity of congressional action to comprehensively combat online child exploitation.

A group of social media and tech firms, led by NetChoice, has filed a federal lawsuit against Utah challenging its social media regulations, scheduled to be enforced in March.

The lawsuit alleges that the laws violate the First Amendment by imposing broad restrictions on youth access to social media platforms, including age-verification and limitations on targeted advertising.

NetChoice argues the regulations constitute “age-gating,” requiring all users, including adults, to submit identification, violating free expression rights.

TikTok has implemented modifications to its terms of service in the United States.

These alterations involve the elimination of provisions that previously mandated the resolution of user disputes through private arbitration and the establishment of a one-year time limit for initiating legal action in cases of alleged harm stemming from app usage.

These adjustments could potentially pose obstacles for those seeking legal recourse against the company.

A coalition comprising more than 40 state attorneys general is currently conducting an inquiry into TikTok’s treatment of young users.

Their objective is to ascertain whether the company has engaged in unfair and deceptive practices that may have negatively impacted the mental well-being of children and teenagers.

A federal judge has ruled that a case involving numerous lawsuits against prominent tech companies, including TikTok, can proceed.

Attorney Kyle Roche, representing a group of over 1,000 guardians and minors with claims related to TikTok usage, has raised objections to the updated terms.

Roche contends that his clients, who are minors, are not in a position to consent to these new terms.

The adjustments made to TikTok’s terms are widely perceived as a response to the potential litigation that may arise from the state attorneys general investigation and the lawsuit in California.

Legal experts have suggested that TikTok may encounter challenges in defending these modifications to its terms of service in court, particularly if consumers were not adequately informed about these changes.

New Buffalo Area, St. Joseph, and Eau Claire Public schools in Berrien County, Michigan, have joined a nationwide lawsuit against social media platforms, including Facebook, alleging failure to protect students’ mental health and interference with learning.

Over 800 school districts are involved, with the lawsuit calling for safeguards against explicit content and potential harm to students.

Other schools can join until December 29th, with the trial estimated to conclude within two years.

The U.S. Surgeon General supports the initiative, recommending digital and media literacy in education to mitigate social media risks.

A federal court has ruled against Meta, ByteDance, Alphabet, and Snap, mandating that they must face lawsuits alleging their social media platforms negatively impact children’s mental health.

These tech giants had attempted to dismiss numerous lawsuits that accused their platforms of being addictive to kids.

The legal actions were initiated by school districts across the United States, asserting harm to children’s physical and emotional well-being.

The court’s decision indicates that the First Amendment and Section 230, which provides online platforms some legal protections, do not shield these companies from all liability in this matter.

The judge acknowledged that many of the plaintiffs’ claims were related to alleged flaws within the platforms, such as inadequate parental controls, a lack of robust age verification systems, and a cumbersome process for deleting accounts.

Addressing these issues, the judge stated, would not necessitate altering the content disseminated on the platforms.

However, certain other claimed defects, like the use of “addictive” algorithms and the absence of time limits on platform usage, were protected under Section 230.

The attorneys representing the plaintiffs welcomed the court’s ruling as a significant victory for families affected by the potential dangers of social media.

The decision challenges the tech companies’ assertions that Section 230 and the First Amendment provide them with complete immunity against claims of harm caused by their platforms.

Google defended its actions, refuting the allegations in the complaints and highlighting its implementation of age-appropriate features for children on YouTube.

This ruling has the potential to pave the way for more safety-related claims against social media platforms, even in the absence of new legislation, and could make it more challenging for these platforms to mount legal defenses against such claims.

Allegations have arisen in an ongoing lawsuit that Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, has hindered efforts to improve the well-being of teenagers on Facebook and Instagram, based on internal communications that have been made public.

These documents indicate that Zuckerberg overruled top executives, including Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri and President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg, who had advocated for measures aimed at safeguarding the well-being of Instagram’s more than 30 million teenage users in the United States.

One specific instance highlighted in the lawsuit involves Zuckerberg’s rejection of a 2019 proposal to disable Instagram’s “beauty filters,” which digitally alter users’ appearances and have been associated with promoting unrealistic body image ideals among teenagers.

Despite widespread support for the proposal, including from other high-ranking Meta officials, Zuckerberg declined it, arguing that there was a “demand” for the filters and no evidence of harm.

The recently disclosed communications also reveal tensions within Meta regarding well-being initiatives and Zuckerberg’s preference for a data-centric decision-making approach.

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Meta exploited the psychology of adolescent users to increase engagement on Instagram.

Technology advocacy groups have criticized Zuckerberg and Meta for their handling of these issues, with some asserting that even senior leadership encountered obstacles in addressing concerns related to well-being tools.

In response, Meta has defended its actions, stating that it prohibits filters that overtly promote cosmetic surgery or extreme weight loss and offers tools to support teenagers and families, such as screen-time limits and options to hide like counts on posts.

However, the lawsuit suggests that some of these well-being initiatives may not have been effectively implemented.

YouTube has introduced new limitations on recommending certain videos associated with body image and social aggression to teenage users in the United States in response to concerns about their mental health impact.

This action comes as a response to an increase in lawsuits against social media platforms.

The restrictions aim to lessen potential harm caused by repeated viewing of content that glorifies specific body attributes or portrays non-contact altercations and intimidation.

These changes specifically target teenage users in the U.S., with gradual plans to extend these measures to other countries.

YouTube is collaborating with experts and its Youth and Families Advisory Committee to evaluate the effects of online content on the mental well-being of teens.

The platform reiterated its dedication to upholding Community Guidelines by removing content that breaches safety, hate speech, and harassment policies.

Moreover, YouTube is enhancing existing features such as Take a Break and Bedtime reminders, initially introduced in 2018.

They are also expanding crisis resource panels for users seeking content related to self-harm or suicide.

Two Ventura County school districts are taking legal action against social media companies, alleging that popular cell phone apps are causing widespread psychological harm to students.

Simi Valley Unified School District and Conejo Valley Unified School District are suing companies behind platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube in a “mass action lawsuit.”

They claim that these companies have contributed to a “mental health crisis” among children and teenagers, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm thoughts, and cyberbullying.

Multiple law firms and attorneys are vying for leadership roles in a California federal MDL involving allegations against tech companies harming young people’s mental health.

Seeking to represent school districts and local governments, applicants emphasize their experience in similar MDLs, stressing the need for dedicated representation due to unique legal challenges.

They argue for an organized framework to efficiently address the distinct concerns of educational and governmental entities, setting the stage for potential lawsuits by major school districts and local governments within this MDL.

42 state attorney generals are taking legal action against Meta, the company responsible for Facebook and Instagram.

Their contention is that these social media platforms are intentionally engineered to foster addiction and specifically target minors and adolescents.

This united effort transcends political affiliations and signifies a substantial legal challenge to Meta’s operations.

The legal complaints assert that Meta purposefully structured its platforms to maintain the constant engagement of young users through mechanisms such as algorithms, alerts, notifications, and infinite scrolling features.

Additionally, they accuse Meta of causing harm to the mental well-being of teenagers by encouraging social comparison and body image concerns.

Furthermore, Meta is alleged to have violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act by gathering personal information from users under the age of 13 without parental consent.

The states participating in these legal actions aim to curtail what they view as harmful practices by Meta, and they are seeking both penalties and restitution.

The attorneys general contend that Meta was well aware of the adverse effects of its platform design on young users, citing leaked internal research documents disclosed by a whistleblower.

These attorneys general argue that this legal action is part of a wider investigation into the practices of social media companies, potentially leading to settlement discussions or individual lawsuits against other firms employing similar strategies.

The lawsuits underline the bipartisan interest in safeguarding consumers concerning online safety and align with the national emphasis on protecting the online safety and mental health of children.

Several companies, including Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and Google LLC, have been confronted with multiple lawsuits alleging that their social media platforms contribute to addiction and harm in children.

Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl in Los Angeles County rejected the companies’ legal defenses, asserting that they cannot employ the First Amendment or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to shield themselves from allegations that their platforms were intentionally designed to ensnare young users, leading to depression and anxiety.

These lawsuits have introduced a novel legal concept, treating social media platforms as products with design flaws in order to circumvent Section 230 protections.

The judge clarified that the plaintiffs are holding the companies accountable for how they crafted and operated their platforms, rather than the content hosted on them.

A similar case is currently underway in a federal court in California, potentially setting a precedent for these state-level lawsuits.

The ruling is regarded as highly significant for the families involved in these cases, and a hearing in the federal multidistrict case is scheduled for October 27th.

Pinellas County Schools in Florida has joined other school districts in suing social media companies such as Meta and TikTok, alleging that these platforms are contributing to a mental health crisis among students, impacting their performance in the classroom.

he district will be represented by the same attorneys who handled a recent vaping lawsuit and will participate in multi-district litigation against parent companies, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

If successful, the district aims to recover taxpayer resources spent addressing these issues.

The Board of Education of Charles County, Maryland has filed a lawsuit against social media companies, including Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, alleging that their addictive products are harming youth mental health.

The lawsuit claims that these platforms are designed to target and addict children, manipulate users to spend excessive time online, and do not provide sufficient safeguards to verify users’ ages.

The school system argues that these companies prioritize profits over safety and contribute to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among students.

Charles County joins a hundreds of additional school systems across the U.S. suing the social media giants for detrimental affects on students’ mental health.

The Las Virgenes and Conejo Valley Unified school districts are among the numerous districts joining a lawsuit against social media companies alleging their negative impact on students’ mental health and financial burden on schools.

The school districts’ trustees have voiced differing opinions on the litigation, with some expressing concern over social media’s influence on students and the need for accountability from the companies involved.

The lawsuit addresses issues related to age verification, parental controls, targeted algorithms, constant notifications, and endless scrolling designed to addict students to social media platforms.

Approximately 200 school districts across the country have filed a lawsuit against social media giants, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, claiming harm caused to students, particularly regarding cyberbullying and mental health issues linked to social media usage.

The case, consolidated in a U.S. District Court in California, questions the implications of Section 230, which protects social media companies from significant liability for user-generated content.

The schools argue that Section 230 should not apply in this situation, citing addictive algorithms and product design affecting vulnerable students.

The Penn Hills School District in Pennsylvania recently joined the growing number of educational institutions taking legal action against major social media companies.

By voting in favor, the board joined a civil lawsuit that claims social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, have played a role in exacerbating a youth mental health crisis.

The board members highlighted their concerns regarding the detrimental impact of social media on school-age children, citing issues such as heightened bullying and conflicts, as well as the diminishing importance of real-life experiences.

Montgomery County, Maryland, the state’s largest school district, has joined the ongoing federal lawsuit against social media giants such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook.

Following a series of disturbing incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic that seemed to be connected to viral videos on these platforms, the local school system has become increasingly concerned about the impact of social media on students.

With approximately 160,550 students across 210 schools, Montgomery County Public Schools believes that social media is fueling body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, low self-esteem, and even violence.

Three districts in Oregon have now filed lawsuits against social media platforms under the belief that they are placing profits over the health of students.

Washougal and Salem-Keizer school districts have both filed lawsuits against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Google, YouTube, and TikTok.

This comes after the Gervais school district filed a lawsuit back in March.

An increasing number of public schools have filed lawsuits against various social media platforms after the initial lawsuits were placed earlier this year.

The school systems are seeking financial compensation along with the hope that courts declare social media companies’ practices as a public nuisance.

These cases are currently still in the early phases as more and more schools in various states continue to file lawsuits.

Multiple public schools have filed lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media platforms.

The first lawsuits were filed by Seattle Public Schools in January.

Since then, school districts in New Jersey and Florida have filed lawsuits.

In March, Bucks County, located in Pennsylvania, filed a lawsuit alleging that social media companies are designing and marketing their platforms in way that encourages “youth addiction.”

While there has not been an update on these cases, social media companies have responded stating that there are parental control and kids’ safety features placed on their platforms for younger users.