Do I Qualify For The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?

Published By:
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman

Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Key takeaways:

  • To qualify for the social media mental health lawsuit, individuals should demonstrate documented mental health injuries from excessive use, such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
  • The lawsuit alleges that major social media companies intentionally designed addictive platforms without warning users of potential health risks, with cases now consolidated into Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 3047) in Northern California.
  • Potential compensation includes coverage for medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and educational/career impacts, with cases handled on a contingency fee basis requiring no upfront legal costs.

FAQ: Do I Qualify for the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit?

Question: Do I Qualify for the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit?

Answer: Social media mental health lawsuits are being filed against major platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, and Snapchat on behalf of young users who have suffered mental health injuries from excessive platform use.

These lawsuits allege that social media companies intentionally designed their platforms with addictive features while failing to warn users about the potential mental and physical health risks, particularly to young users.

These cases have been consolidated into Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 3047) in the Northern District of California, streamlining the legal process for affected individuals.

On this page, we’ll discuss this question in further depth, recoverable damages from a social media mental health lawsuit, platforms named in social media mental health lawsuits, and much more.

Do I Qualify for the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit; Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims; Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits; Youth Mental Health Crisis Social Media Addiction; Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Addiction; How Can A Social Media Mental Health Attorney from TruLaw Help You; How much does it cost to hire a Social Media Mental Health lawyer from TruLaw; Recoverable Damages from a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit; Types of Recoverable Damages

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Eligibility Criteria

To determine if you qualify for the social media addiction lawsuit, you’ll need to meet specific criteria established by the courts and legal teams handling these cases.

The following eligibility criteria must be met to qualify for a social media addiction lawsuit:

  • Platform Usage: Regular use of qualifying social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat, with evidence of extensive daily usage patterns
  • Documented Harm: Demonstrable evidence of mental health injuries or other negative impacts directly related to social media use, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or self-harm behaviors
  • Timeline of Impact: Clear documentation showing when the addiction developed and how it has affected your life, including medical records, therapy documentation, or school/work performance changes

The strength of your case will depend on your ability to provide evidence supporting these criteria through medical records, platform usage data, and documentation of how social media addiction has impacted your life.

Legal teams typically offer free case evaluations to help determine if your situation meets the necessary requirements for joining the lawsuit.

If you or someone you love has experienced social media addiction, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify to join others in filing a social media mental health lawsuit today.

Table of Contents

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview

The Social Media Addiction lawsuit centers on the claim that social media companies intentionally design their platforms to be addictive.

The allegation is that these platforms use psychological tactics (for example, endless scrolling feeds or frequent notifications) to keep users continually engaged for extended periods.

Social media use is almost universal among young people.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview

A Pew Research Center study titled “Social Media Use in 2021 ” reports that 84% of Americans ages 18–29 are actively using social media.

This high usage rate shows how deeply these platforms are embedded in young adults’ daily lives.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that the companies were negligent in safeguarding the well-being of their users – especially minors.

They claim that the absence of adequate safety measures or guidelines on these platforms contributed to the development of mental health issues among young users.

Social Media Addiction: Injuries Suffered by Victims

Social media addiction has become a growing concern, as its pervasive influence can deeply impact individuals’ mental and emotional well-being.

The constant barrage of idealized images and the pressure to maintain an impeccable online presence can disrupt everyday life and exacerbate underlying vulnerabilities that lead to serious injuries.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims

Some of the mental health challenges experienced by plaintiffs include, but are not limited to:

  • Depression: Extended exposure to selectively presented images and lifestyles on social media can foster feelings of inadequacy and unhealthy comparisons, potentially triggering depressive episodes and self-harming behaviors in at-risk individuals.
  • Anxiety: The relentless pressure to maintain an idealized online image can elevate anxiety levels, contributing to conditions such as social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders.
  • Body Dysmorphia: The omnipresence of unrealistic beauty standards on social platforms may lead to eating disorders or body dysmorphia, where individuals become fixated on perceived imperfections in their appearance.
  • Low Self-Esteem: Overuse of social media can diminish self-worth as users constantly compare themselves to highly filtered and idealized portrayals of others.
  • Suicidal Ideation: The interplay between mental health issues and excessive social media engagement can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and ideation.

If you or someone you love has experienced social media addiction, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify to join others in filing a social media mental health lawsuit today.

Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits

Several prominent technology companies and social media giants have faced legal scrutiny for their alleged role in promoting social media addiction and its related mental health issues.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims; Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits

Social media platforms named in these lawsuits include, but are not limited to:

  • Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
  • ByteDance (TikTok)
  • Snap Inc (Snapchat)
  • Alphabet Inc (Google and YouTube)
  • Other Social Media Platforms

Although each case has its unique elements, these platforms are often accused of using persuasive design techniques, addictive algorithms, and user interface features that favor engagement over user well-being.

According to the LA Times, these companies intentionally designed their algorithms to make it challenging for users to leave the platform.

Youth Mental Health Crisis: Social Media Addiction

The increasing reliance on social media has contributed to a growing mental health crisis among young people.

While these platforms offer opportunities for connection, excessive use can lead to dependency, negatively impacting emotional well-being, cognitive development, and social skills.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims; Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits; Youth Mental Health Crisis Social Media Addiction

Identifying the signs of social media addiction is essential for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to intervene early and provide necessary support.

Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Addiction

Recognizing social media addiction in young people requires a careful evaluation of behavioral, emotional, and psychological patterns.

While occasional extended use is normal, persistent compulsive engagement can indicate a deeper issue.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims; Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits; Youth Mental Health Crisis Social Media Addiction; Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Addiction

The signs and symptoms of social media addiction will typically include:

  • Excessive Time Spent Online – A young person spends an increasing amount of time scrolling, posting, or engaging with social media at the expense of other responsibilities or interests.
  • Neglect of Responsibilities – Declining academic performance, lack of participation in extracurricular activities, and unfinished household tasks due to prioritizing social media use.
  • Mood Swings and Emotional Distress – Feelings of anxiety, frustration, or irritability when unable to access social media, along with an overreliance on online validation for self-esteem.
  • Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Staying up late to engage with social media, leading to chronic sleep deprivation and daytime fatigue.
  • Social Withdrawal – Avoiding in-person interactions, preferring virtual connections over face-to-face relationships, and displaying discomfort in offline social settings.
  • Failed Attempts to Cut Back – Multiple unsuccessful efforts to reduce social media use, often followed by increased engagement as a form of self-soothing.

Excessive social media use can affect mental health in profound ways, leading to anxiety, depression, and a distorted self-image.

The constant comparison to curated online personas can foster insecurity, while cyberbullying and negative interactions may intensify emotional distress.

The dopamine-driven reward system in social media apps reinforces compulsive behaviors, making it increasingly difficult for young people to disconnect.

Addressing social media addiction requires a multi-faceted approach, including setting screen time limits, encouraging offline activities, and fostering open conversations about online experiences.

Early recognition of the symptoms can help mitigate the long-term effects on youth mental health, promoting a healthier balance between digital and real-world interactions.

How Can A Social Media Mental Health Attorney from TruLaw Help You?

Our Social Media Mental Health attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a social media mental health lawsuit.

With extensive experience in handling cases involving corporate negligence, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman provides personalized support and advocacy to clients who have suffered mental health impacts from social media platforms.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims; Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits; Youth Mental Health Crisis Social Media Addiction; Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Addiction; How Can A Social Media Mental Health Attorney from TruLaw Help You

We understand the challenges and emotional toll that social media-related mental health issues can have on individuals and families, which is why we focus on simplifying the legal process of seeking the compensation you deserve.

Meet the Lead Social Media Mental Health Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead Social Media Mental Health attorney:

  • Jessica Paluch Hoerman: With years of experience representing clients in personal injury and consumer law cases, Jessica specializes in simplifying the legal process of recovering damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and various other forms of damages. Her dedication to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions has led to billions of dollars in compensation for her clients nationwide through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does it cost to hire a Social Media Mental Health lawyer from TruLaw?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you won’t face any upfront costs for your legal representation.

Our fee is only collected if we are successful in securing compensation on your behalf.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims; Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits; Youth Mental Health Crisis Social Media Addiction; Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Addiction; How Can A Social Media Mental Health Attorney from TruLaw Help You; How much does it cost to hire a Social Media Mental Health lawyer from TruLaw

This arrangement not only removes the financial risk of pursuing your case, it allows us to focus our resources on achieving a positive outcome in your case by:

  • Court Filings and Legal Documentation: Handling all necessary paperwork, including filing fees and procedural documents, to ensure your case proceeds smoothly through the legal system.
  • Research/Data Analysis: Dedicating resources to thoroughly investigate your case and gather the best possible evidence.
  • Expert Testimony: Consulting with leading experts in the field to support your case and demonstrate the strength of your case to the court.
  • Negotiations and Trial Preparation: Allocating resources to negotiate potential settlements and, if needed, preparing comprehensive trial strategies to present your case in court effectively.

Our investment in representing you demonstrates our unwavering commitment to seeking the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues related to social media use, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Social Media Mental Health lawsuit today.

Recoverable Damages from a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit

If successful, a social media mental health lawsuit may allow affected individuals and their families to recover damages related to the emotional, psychological, and financial consequences of social media addiction.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims; Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits; Youth Mental Health Crisis Social Media Addiction; Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Addiction; How Can A Social Media Mental Health Attorney from TruLaw Help You; How much does it cost to hire a Social Media Mental Health lawyer from TruLaw; Recoverable Damages from a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit

The potential compensation will vary based on individual circumstances, including the severity of mental health impacts and the level of negligence demonstrated by the platform.

Types of Recoverable Damages

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Overview; Social Media Addiction Injuries Suffered by Victims; Platforms Named in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits; Youth Mental Health Crisis Social Media Addiction; Signs and Symptoms of Social Media Addiction; How Can A Social Media Mental Health Attorney from TruLaw Help You; How much does it cost to hire a Social Media Mental Health lawyer from TruLaw; Recoverable Damages from a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit; Types of Recoverable Damages

If a lawsuit is successful, plaintiffs may be entitled to various forms of compensation that include, but is not limited to:

  • Medical Expenses – Coverage for therapy, psychiatric care, hospitalization, and medication costs related to social media-induced mental health disorders.
  • Pain and Suffering – Compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological harm linked to excessive social media use.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life – Damages for a diminished ability to participate in everyday activities, social interactions, and hobbies due to mental health struggles.
  • Educational and Career Impact – Compensation for declining academic performance, lost scholarships, or reduced job opportunities caused by excessive social media use.
  • Parental Financial Burden – Reimbursement for costs incurred by parents or guardians for treatment, therapy, and interventions aimed at addressing social media addiction.
  • Punitive Damages – In cases where social media companies are found to have acted with extreme negligence or intent to harm, courts may impose additional financial penalties to deter future misconduct.

The potential for compensation depends on various factors, including the ability to establish a direct link between social media use and mental health deterioration.

Evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and behavioral assessments may strengthen a claim.

While no settlement amounts have been confirmed, legal experts anticipate that successful lawsuits could lead to substantial compensation for affected individuals and their families.

TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit

Social media mental health lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who were negatively impacted by the addictive and harmful nature of social media platforms.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the social media mental health lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your social media mental health lawsuit include:

  • If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The social media mental health lawsuit lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
  • Expertise: We have years of experience handling product liability cases similar to the social media mental health litigation, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
  • Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one suffered from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or other mental health issues due to social media use, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the social media mental health lawsuit today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who qualifies for the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit?

    To qualify, individuals should demonstrate evidence of mental health injuries directly related to platform use. Qualifying platforms include Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Snapchat, and users must show documented harm like depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.

    The recent wave of social media addiction lawsuits has expanded eligibility criteria to include a broader range of users with demonstrable harm.

  • What types of injuries are covered in the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit?

    The social media lawsuit covers various mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation.

    These injuries must be directly linked to excessive use of social media platforms and documented through medical records or therapy documentation.

    The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recognizes these conditions as legitimate health concerns related to digital media exposure.

  • How much does it cost to hire a Social Media Mental Health lawyer?

    TruLaw operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for legal representation.

    The fee is only collected if they successfully secure compensation on your behalf.

    This approach has become standard practice in social media harm lawsuits to ensure accessibility for affected individuals.

  • What damages can be recovered from a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit?

    Recoverable damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and educational/career impact costs.

    Additional punitive damages may be awarded if major social media platforms are found to have acted with extreme negligence.

    Many youth mental health programs now assist in documenting these impacts for legal proceedings.

  • What are the signs of social media addiction in young people?

    Key indicators include excessive time spent online, neglect of responsibilities, mood swings, disrupted sleep patterns, and social withdrawal.

    Failed attempts to reduce social media use and prioritizing virtual connections over real-life relationships are also common symptoms.

    Social media harm lawsuit documentation often cites these behaviors as evidence when filing against both established and other social media companies involved in social media lawsuits.

Published By:
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman

Managing Attorney & Owner

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!

You can learn more about the Social Media Harm Lawsuits by visiting any of our pages listed below:

AFFF Lawsuit

AFFF Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly used in firefighting.

Claims allege that companies such as 3M, DuPont, and Tyco Fire Products failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of AFFF exposure — including increased risks of various cancers and diseases.

Suboxone Lawsuit

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit claims are being filed against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction.

Claims allege that Indivior failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of severe tooth decay and dental injuries associated with Suboxone’s sublingual film version.

Social Media Lawsuits

Social Media Harm Lawsuits are being filed against social media companies for allegedly causing mental health issues in children and teens.

Claims allege that companies like Meta, Google, ByteDance, and Snap designed addictive platforms that led to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues without adequately warning users or parents.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits

Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Claims allege that companies like Ethicon, C.R. Bard, and Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn about potential dangers — including erosion, pain, and infection.

Bair Hugger Lawsuit

Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits involve claims against 3M — alleging their surgical warming blankets caused severe infections and complications (particularly in hip and knee replacement surgeries).

Plaintiffs claim 3M failed to warn about potential risks — despite knowing about increased risk of deep joint infections since 2011.

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of cow’s milk-based baby formula products.

Claims allege that companies like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) failed to warn about the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

Do You
Have A Case?

Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.

Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.

Would you like our help?

Helpful Sites & Resources