Originally aired on October 25, 2023

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing a new lawsuit filed by multiple US states over concerns about the impact of its social media platforms on the mental health of minors. This is not the first time that Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been embroiled in legal controversies. The company has previously faced lawsuits regarding misinformation and privacy issues. The current lawsuit alleges that Meta’s design choices and practices exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of young users, promising meaningful social connection while potentially leading to addiction and social isolation.

How has Meta been involved in lawsuits and controversies in the past?

• Meta, previously known as Facebook, has faced numerous controversies and lawsuits since its establishment in 2004.
• In 2019, the company dealt with a lawsuit from the US government over concerns related to misinformation and user data handling.

What is the current lawsuit against Meta focused on?

• Multiple US states have filed a lawsuit against Meta over concerns about the impact of its social media platforms on the mental health of minors.
• The lawsuit accuses Meta of taking advantage of young users’ susceptibility to addiction and exploiting their psychological vulnerabilities through the false promise of meaningful social connection.

How are Meta’s design choices and practices being criticized?

• The lawsuit alleges that Meta’s design choices and practices contribute to young users’ susceptibility to addiction and exploit their psychological vulnerabilities.
• The company is accused of creating a false belief that meaningful social connection can only be found within the next story, image, or video, potentially leading to social isolation if users ignore such content.

What are the potential consequences for young users of Meta’s platforms?

• The lawsuit claims that minors using Meta’s social media platforms could experience negative mental health effects due to the addictive nature and false promises of social connection.
• Concerns are raised about the potential impact on young users’ well-being and the risk of social isolation if they fail to engage with every piece of social content.