Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit

December 23, 2025: South Carolina Lawmakers Propose Mandatory Mental Health Warnings Inside Social Media Feeds

South Carolina lawmakers have proposed a bill that would mandate social media platforms to include state-produced mental health public service announcements in users’ feeds after every 10 posts.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health will create the warnings.

They would address risks related to excessive social media use, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm, with links to support resources.

The proposal would apply to any social media platform accessed in South Carolina and would require companies to submit annual reports detailing how frequently users see the warnings.

Platforms that do not comply could face civil fines of up to $25,000 per day, with collected penalties allocated to a new Youth Mental Health Awareness Fund for education and outreach programs.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. David Martin, Brandon Guffey, and Tommy Pope have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Lawmakers are expected to review it when the General Assembly reconvenes on January 13.

December 18th, 2025: 29 States Push for Single Trial in Meta Youth Mental Health Lawsuit

Attorneys general from 29 states asked a California federal court to hold one unified trial in their lawsuit accusing Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to addict and harm minors.

The states argue a single trial would be more efficient than the nearly 20 trials Meta proposes, because the claims rely on the same nationwide conduct, evidence, and witnesses.

In a new filing, the attorneys general pointed to another case where multiple states’ consumer protection claims were resolved in one bench trial, saying that precedent supports a consolidated approach here.

The states say Meta’s alleged use of addictive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, notifications, and reward systems affected minors across the country in the same way, regardless of state law differences.

Meta opposes a unified trial, arguing that differing state legal standards would confuse a jury, but the judge overseeing the social media addiction MDL has already indicated she will not hold separate trials for all 29 states.

The request keeps pressure on Meta as the youth mental health lawsuit moves closer to trial in the nationwide social media addiction litigation.

December 17th, 2025: Lawsuits Allege Instagram Recommendations Enabled Teen Sextortion Suicides

Newly unsealed lawsuits accuse Meta and Instagram of knowingly exposing children to online predators through Instagram’s account recommendation system, leading to sextortion and the deaths of two teenage boys.

Parents allege Meta knew as early as 2019 that Instagram’s “Accounts You May Follow” feature was recommending children to adult sexual predators, but chose to prioritize user engagement and profits over safety.

According to the complaints, Meta’s internal data estimated millions of accounts were pursuing inappropriate interactions with children, and that nearly two million children’s accounts were recommended to adult predators in just three months.

The lawsuits say Meta rejected basic safety measures, including default private accounts and blocking adult direct messages, after internal teams warned those changes would reduce teen engagement.

The parents claim the boys were targeted, extorted with sexually explicit images, and threatened with exposure after being connected to predators through Instagram’s recommendations, and later died by suicide.

The lawsuits bring claims including product liability design defect, failure to warn, negligence, wrongful death, and fraudulent concealment, and seek damages and other relief against Meta and Instagram.

December 16th, 2025: Judge Warns Plaintiffs Over Excessive Exhibits in Social Media Addiction MDL

A California federal judge overseeing the multidistrict litigation accusing major social media companies of designing addictive platforms for minors warned plaintiffs that they could face sanctions if they overwhelm the docket with irrelevant evidence.

During a case management conference, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said she would penalize plaintiffs’ counsel if their planned 17,000 pages of exhibits, submitted in response to defendants’ summary judgment motions, prove unnecessary or immaterial.

Plaintiffs said they had already reduced their proposed filings from roughly 70,000 pages by excerpting documents, arguing the volume is proportionate for a large MDL involving personal injury claims, school districts and state attorneys general.

Defendants, including Meta, countered that plaintiffs refused to meaningfully narrow or share excerpts in advance, leaving many exhibits potentially unrelated to the pending motions.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers allowed the exhibits to be filed but cautioned that relevance would be closely scrutinized.

The conference also addressed disputes over expert testimony, with Meta challenging opinions on whether its statements were misleading or intended to target children: arguments the judge suggested may ultimately be for a jury to decide.

The court set accelerated deadlines for jury instructions as the case continues toward a potential mid-2026 trial.

December 11th, 2025: Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Raises Global Attention and Potential Legal Ripple Effects

Australia has enacted the world’s strictest social media ban for children under 16, requiring major platforms to prevent minors from holding accounts and to implement robust age verification.

The law applies only to platforms that algorithmically surface and recommend content, including Meta apps, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and similar feeds designed to shape what users see.

Messaging-only or non-algorithmic services are excluded, reflecting the government’s view that algorithmic amplification, not simple communication, is the core safety risk.

Regulators say the ban is necessary to protect children from harmful content loops, addictive recommendation systems, and exploitative interactions.

Tech companies argue the requirements are overly broad and difficult to implement at scale, but Australia maintains that algorithm-based platforms must be held accountable for the risks they create.

With countries already watching Australia as a test case, the policy marks a significant escalation in global efforts to regulate algorithmic environments that shape children’s online experiences.

December 8th, 2025: Hawaii Targets TikTok With New Suit Alleging Harmful Youth-Addictive Design and COPPA Violations

Hawaii filed a new state-level lawsuit against TikTok on Dec. 3, adding to the increasing number of claims that the platform’s design harms young users’ mental health.

The complaint claims that TikTok based its business model on maximizing youth engagement, using “coercive design tactics” that resemble gambling industry methods to keep children on the app and boost advertising revenue.

The state emphasizes TikTok’s management of users under 13.

Hawaii cites internal data showing that a large portion of TikTok’s U.S. daily users were 14 or younger, and states the company had actual knowledge that many were under 13.

The suit references previous COPPA actions, including the FTC’s 2019 settlement and a renewed enforcement case in 2024, and claims TikTok still collects children’s data without parental consent while only conducting superficial account reviews.

This filing ranks Hawaii with more than twenty other states pursuing similar claims against major platforms.

Those state actions mirror the consolidated federal MDL in California, where youth mental health cases against TikTok, Meta, and others are heading toward bellwether trials expected next summer.

December 4th, 2025: One-Week Social Media Break Linked to Sharp Drop in Depression as Addiction Litigation Advances

A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that just one week off social media can significantly decrease depression, anxiety, and insomnia in young users.

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center analyzed data from 373 participants aged 18 to 24 and found that a short detox reduced depressive symptoms by 25%, anxiety by 16%, and insomnia by 15%.

The break also reduced compulsive use, with post-detox screen time decreasing by about 30 minutes per day.

The findings emerge as lawsuits keep alleging that major platforms create features that encourage addictive behavior in teens and young adults.

December 2, 2025: Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit December JPML Filing Update

The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit recorded an increase in total multidistrict litigation (MDL) cases between November 2025 and December 2025.

The docket rose from 2,172 cases in November 2025 to 2,191 cases in December 2025, resulting in 19 new filings.

The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit involves allegations that major social media platforms contributed to the development or worsening of mental health conditions in minors and young adults.

Plaintiffs claim that platform design features—such as algorithm-driven content delivery, engagement prompts, and continuous notifications—created addictive user behavior and exposed individuals to harmful content.

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

November 27th, 2025: 11th Circuit Allows Florida to Enforce Child Safety Law

On November 22, 2025, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a lower court’s injunction, allowing Florida to begin enforcing key parts of its new social media child protection law during an ongoing appeal.

The law, known as HB 3, prohibits social media platforms from allowing minors under 14 to hold accounts and requires parental consent for users between 14 and 16.

The panel found that the plaintiffs, NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, had not demonstrated how enforcement during the appeal would cause irreparable harm, despite their First Amendment objections.

Florida argued the law was designed to reduce the harms of addictive design features and sexual exploitation of children online.

The law will now remain in effect while litigation proceeds. A full appeal on the constitutionality of the measure is still pending.

The case is NetChoice LLC et al. v. Moody et al., case number 24-12121, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

November 26th, 2025: Meta Faces Growing Social Media Lawsuit Over Harm to Children and Concealed Internal Research

Meta Platforms Inc. is at the center of intensifying legal action as a sweeping multidistrict lawsuit accuses the tech giant of knowingly endangering children’s mental health and concealing internal research that confirmed the dangers of its platforms.

Allegations of Concealed Research and Misleading Congress

Unsealed court filings reveal that Meta initiated an internal study, Project Mercury, in 2019 to investigate how its platforms impact user well-being, polarization, and daily social interactions.

Preliminary findings indicated that users who stopped using Facebook and Instagram for just one week experienced decreased anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Rather than disclose these results, the lawsuit claims Meta shut down the study and failed to alert the public or Congress.

When asked by the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020 whether increased platform usage among teen girls correlated with depression and anxiety, Meta responded with a single word: “No.”

An internal Meta employee likened the company’s behavior to that of tobacco companies concealing the dangers of cigarettes: “If the results are bad and we don’t publish and they leak, is it going to look like tobacco companies…?”

17-Strikes Policy on Sex Trafficking and Inadequate Child Protections

The lawsuit also includes damning testimony from Vaishnavi Jayakumar, Instagram’s former head of safety and well-being, who revealed that the platform had a “17-strike” policy for sex trafficking content.

According to her deposition, accounts accused of prostitution or sexual solicitation would only be removed after 16 confirmed violations.

Plaintiffs allege that Instagram failed to provide a straightforward way for users to report child sexual abuse content, while less serious violations like “spam” and “promotion of firearms” were easier to report.

Jayakumar testified that Meta’s leadership ignored her concerns.

Addictive Design and Harmful Algorithms

The plaintiffs, comprising more than 1,800 individuals, school districts, and state attorneys general, claim Meta intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive for young users.

Internal documents quote employees referring to Instagram as “a drug,” with executives allegedly shelving safety features like hiding likes and banning beauty filters due to concerns about decreased user engagement and advertising revenue.

A “quiet mode” feature intended to reduce compulsive use was reportedly deprioritized over concerns it would harm business metrics.

Targeting Children Under 13

Despite Meta’s policies prohibiting users under 13, internal research cited in the lawsuit suggests the company knew that millions of underage children were using its platforms.

In 2018, Meta reportedly found that nearly 40% of children aged 9–12 used Instagram daily.

Instead of implementing age verification or protective measures, the company allegedly pursued strategies to grow that user base, such as using location data to send push notifications to students during school hours.

Delayed Safety Improvements

Meta eventually implemented “Teen Accounts” in 2024, which include privacy defaults and limited adult interaction.

However, plaintiffs argue the company knew years earlier that making teen accounts private by default could have prevented millions of unwanted adult-child interactions.

Internal audits even found Instagram’s “Accounts You May Follow” feature recommended suspicious adults to teen users and vice versa.

Meta’s Response and Ongoing Litigation

Meta has denied the allegations, calling them “cherry-picked” and “misinformed.”

The company defends its record on child safety and highlights recent updates to its platforms, including parental controls and content moderation tools.

However, critics argue these measures came years too late, and only after mounting public pressure and legal scrutiny.

The litigation continues in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, where Meta, along with Snap, TikTok, and YouTube, faces a unified challenge over claims of prioritizing profit over the well-being of young users.

As the case unfolds, it could set a precedent for tech industry accountability regarding youth safety, content moderation, and the long-term impact of social media on mental health.

November 19th, 2025: Plaintiffs Seek Unredacted Meta Research Documents in Youth Mental Health Litigation

Plaintiffs in the coordinated social media mental health litigation are asking a Los Angeles judge to compel Meta to turn over unredacted internal research documents, arguing that Meta’s legal team improperly altered and suppressed findings about the harm its platforms pose to young users.

The request draws heavily on a recent ruling by a Washington, D.C., judge, who found that Meta attorneys instructed researchers to change studies on teen mental health to reduce the company’s potential liability.

According to the motion, former Meta researchers testified before Congress that company lawyers routinely inserted themselves into youth‑safety research, pressured scientists to delete unfavorable data, and used attorney‑client privilege as a shield to keep harmful findings from children, parents, and regulators.

Plaintiffs argue the crime‑fraud exception applies, making the documents discoverable.

Four key documents are at issue.

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

Other communications allegedly detail attorneys blocking or reshaping research on teen exposure to harmful content and editing internal presentations meant for Meta executives.

The plaintiffs also note that Judge Yvonne Williams in Washington, D.C., recently ruled that Meta’s conduct met the crime‑fraud threshold, finding that lawyers advised researchers to amend studies once the California federal MDL began.

Plaintiffs argue this strengthens the case for full disclosure in the Los Angeles proceeding, where the first bellwether trial is set for January.

Meta denies wrongdoing, calling the allegations “wrong” and claiming its legal‑research communications were routine.

The company says it has approved dozens of youth‑related studies since 2022.

Plaintiffs, however, maintain that transparency is essential given the more than 1,000 consolidated cases alleging that Meta and other social media platforms intentionally designed addictive products that harm minors.

The request is before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl in Social Media Cases, JCCP 5255, as litigation continues in both state court and the related federal MDL.

November 18, 2025: TikTok, Meta, and Google Sue California to Block New Limits on Personalized Feeds for Kids

TikTok, Meta, and Google have filed federal lawsuits seeking to block California’s new requirement that platforms obtain parental consent before delivering personalized algorithmic feeds to minors.

The companies argue the rule violates their First Amendment rights by restricting their ability to curate content and organize user speech, relying on recent Supreme Court decisions that treat content moderation as protected expression.

They also claim personalized feeds help minors safely find age-appropriate material and that existing protections already address the state’s concerns.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta maintains the law is necessary to curb addictive design features that target children, reflecting broader nationwide litigation accusing social-media companies of contributing to youth mental health harms.

November 13, 2025: DeKalb County Schools Clamor for Legal Recourse Over $4M Social Media Addiction Costs

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

Administrators say platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat are deliberately designed to hook children, forcing teachers to spend up to 20% of class time managing phone-related disruptions and contributing to rising student anxiety and depression.

The district argues these costs and harms justify seeking damages (potentially in the billions) as part of a broader wave of litigation by school systems nationwide.

The disclosures strengthen claims that social-media companies have imposed measurable financial burdens on schools and should be held legally accountable for youth addiction and its educational fallout.

Nov 7th, 2025: Social Media Giants Must Face Trial Over Youth Addiction Claims

A California court has ruled that major social media companies, including Meta, TikTok owner ByteDance, Alphabet’s YouTube, and Snap, must face trial over allegations that their platforms are designed to addict young users.

The lawsuits claim the companies intentionally engineered features such as infinite scrolling, push notifications, and algorithmic feeds to prolong engagement among minors, resulting in harms including anxiety, depression, and body-image issues.

The ruling, issued by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl, allows the cases to proceed after prior motions to dismiss were denied.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys say the decision opens the door for discovery of internal company documents regarding platform design and risk assessments.

Nov 6th, 2025: California DOJ Takes Public Comment on New Social Media Addiction Rules

The California Department of Justice will hold a public hearing on November 5 to collect input on new regulations aimed at safeguarding minors from social media addiction and exploitation.

The proposed rules originate from SB-976, the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024.

The law directs the Attorney General to establish standards for verifying users’ ages and obtaining parental consent for minors on social media platforms.

State officials are seeking public comment on potential verification methods and compliance obligations for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The regulatory process follows a surge in social media addiction lawsuits, many of which are centralized in California due to the state’s ties to major tech companies.

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

Both judges are managing coordinated discovery and planning bellwether trials to test the strength of claims.

The first state bellwether trial, initially involving plaintiff Heaven Moore, has been delayed and replaced by a case brought by plaintiff K.G.M., now scheduled to begin jury selection on January 27, 2026.

The first federal bellwether will involve claims by school districts seeking to recover costs related to the educational and mental health impacts of students’ social media use.

If no resolution follows the bellwether process, both courts are expected to begin remanding individual cases for trial.

November 3rd, 2025: November 2025 JPML Update

The Social Media multidistrict litigation rose from 2,053 cases in October to 2,172 in November.

Plaintiffs claim that platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok contributed to mental health issues in children and teens.

Allegations focus on product design, including features that encourage excessive use and exposure to harmful content.

The MDL remains in the early stages of discovery.

Coordination among parties continues as the court manages pretrial motions and evidence gathering.

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

October 31st, 2025: Social Media Companies Cite Section 230 to Deflect Mental Health Lawsuits

Meta, YouTube, Snap, and TikTok are pushing to dismiss claims ahead of a January bellwether trial in California, arguing that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields them from liability for content-related harms.

At the heart of the case are over 1,000 lawsuits alleging social media platforms caused or worsened youth mental health issues like eating disorders and suicidal ideation.

While a judge previously allowed claims based on addictive design features to move forward, tech attorneys now argue that most harms stem from user-generated content, protected under Section 230.

Plaintiffs say the companies are seeking absolute immunity that would leave families without recourse.

With failure-to-warn and concealment claims still alive, the legal battle over platform responsibility is far from over.

October 24th, 2025: California Jury to Hear First Social Media Harm Lawsuit Involving Minors in January 2026

A California state court will begin jury selection on January 27, 2026, in a lawsuit alleging that major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, contributed to mental health issues in minors.

The plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., claims the platforms’ design and algorithms promote addictive behaviors that resulted in anxiety, depression, and self-harm.

Subsequent trials are scheduled for April 13 and June 8, 2026, involving plaintiffs R.K.C. and Moore.

Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl has ordered both sides to submit proposals for jury instructions and verdict forms by November 21, 2025, with a hearing on the proposals set for December 12, 2025.

The lawsuits assert that the companies engineered their platforms to maximize engagement at the expense of user well-being.

The outcomes could have broad implications for litigation related to social media’s impact on youth mental health nationwide.

October 20th, 2025: Parents Urge Ninth Circuit to Reject Meta’s Section 230 Immunity Claim

Parents and school districts suing Meta Platforms over youth social media addiction are urging the Ninth Circuit to deny Meta’s bid for Section 230 immunity, arguing the law does not protect the company’s design choices, like infinite scroll, autoplay, and like counts – that allegedly harm children’s mental health.

In a reply brief, plaintiffs said Section 230 shields platforms only for publishing third-party content, not for creating addictive features.

They also argued that Meta’s appeal is premature and would invite endless delays.

If the court hears the case, plaintiffs want dismissed claims reinstated, saying Meta’s design decisions fall outside Section 230’s protections.

The ruling could shape how courts apply online immunity laws to modern algorithmic platforms accused of harming youth.

October 15, 2025: California Enacts Sweeping Child Safety Tech Bills to Curb Social Media & AI Harms

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of new laws aimed at safeguarding children from the risks of social media and AI technologies.

The new laws include requirements for age verification across apps and devices, limits on liability defenses for AI developers and users, mandatory warnings on social media for young users, and protections specific to chatbot interactions.

Under S.B. 243, for example, companion chatbots must disclose that they are AI, prompt minors to take breaks, and block sexually explicit content.

Another new law, A.B. 316, prevents defendants from escaping liability by claiming that harm was autonomously caused by the AI itself.

These measures mark a regulatory milestone: California now requires platforms to build in defenses against exploitation, mental health harms, and content risks for minors.

The state’s approach could reverberate nationally, particularly given its role as a legal and technological bellwether.

October 9th, 2025: New York City Refiles Social Media Addiction Lawsuit, Citing Youth Mental Health Crisis

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

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

The 327-page complaint alleges the platforms’ algorithms exploit minors’ vulnerabilities, fueling anxiety, depression, and academic decline.

City officials cite sharp increases in youth suicide rates and widespread feelings of hopelessness among high school students, particularly among girls and students of color.

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

YouTube’s parent company, Google, denied wrongdoing, while other defendants have yet to comment.

The case joins a growing wave of national litigation seeking to hold social media firms accountable for their role in the youth mental health crisis.

October 8th, 2025: Chinese Study Shows Social Media Use Linked to Anxiety — Implications for U.S. Users

A new paper published in Frontiers in Psychology examines how social media addiction correlates with mental health issues such as anxiety, and the findings are based on data collected in China.

The authors report that higher levels of problematic use are associated with greater psychological distress, and over time the relationship may be bidirectional (i.e. distress can also increase social media use).

While the research is rooted in a Chinese context, the underlying mechanisms (such as social comparison, feedback reinforcement, and emotional vulnerability) transcend national borders.

U.S. users may face similar risks, particularly in environments where social media platforms use algorithmic reinforcement and constant engagement.

From a legal perspective, this kind of evidence may strengthen claims in U.S. cases about duty of care and design responsibility.

If platforms are aware of the mental health risks associated with their features, plaintiffs may argue those platforms are obligated to mitigate harms, especially for users who exhibit signs of vulnerability.

October 7th, 2025:OSU Study Links Higher Social Media Use to Increased Loneliness in Adults

A new Oregon State University study of over 1,500 U.S. adults ages 30 to 70 finds a clear correlation between both the amount of time spent and the frequency of checking social media and heightened feelings of loneliness.

 Each additional increase in social media use was independently associated with greater odds of loneliness, even after adjusting for age, education, marital status, and other demographics. 

Yet the authors emphasize that the data are correlational, it remains unclear whether heavy social media use causes loneliness or lonely individuals gravitate toward social media more often. 

The results suggest, however, that frequent “check-ins” may be as consequential as prolonged use, pointing to complex dynamics in how digital habits affect social well-being.

Given loneliness’s known links to poor mental health, cardiovascular disease, and other societal risks, the study’s authors call for careful monitoring of social media’s role in adult psychosocial health.

September 30, 2025: Social Media Addiction Lawsuits: Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations File Claims Against Tech Companies

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

The lawsuits, filed September 16, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, name Meta Platforms (owner of Facebook and Instagram), Snap Inc. (Snapchat), ByteDance (TikTok), and Alphabet (Google and YouTube) as defendants. Each company must respond by October 7.

The tribal nations claim the companies designed their platforms to be addictive for adolescents and knowingly exposed young users to harmful content while concealing internal research about the risks.

The lawsuits argue that rising levels of depression, suicidal ideation, and compulsive social media use have strained tribal health care and social service systems, forcing both nations to redirect significant resources.

The Choctaw Nation stated that its programs have been pushed “to their breaking points,” while the Chickasaw Nation reported similar strain on its Zero Suicide initiative and behavioral health programs.

September 24, 2025: California Judge Allows Expert Testimony on Social Media Design in Youth Mental Health Litigation.

A California state judge has ruled that jurors in upcoming bellwether trials against major social media companies will be permitted to hear expert testimony on how the design and operation of social media platforms may harm young users’ mental health.

In a September 22, 2025 order, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl rejected arguments from Meta Platforms, Inc., Snap Inc., ByteDance and Google to bar the testimony in the consolidated litigation involving hundreds of cases.

The defendants argued that the testimony would improperly circumvent Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally shields platforms from liability based on third-party content.

Judge Kuhl disagreed, emphasizing that negligence claims could proceed where a jury finds that harm stemmed from the platforms’ own design or operational features rather than from content decisions.

The ruling reiterates her prior position that companies may be held liable if their platforms’ design substantially contributes to addictive use or other harmful behaviors in minors.

The court also addressed challenges under California’s Sargon standard, which governs the admissibility of expert opinion testimony.

Of the 11 experts proposed by the plaintiffs, 10 were cleared to testify after the judge found their opinions met the required scientific foundation.

Plaintiffs’ counsel hailed the decision as a significant validation of their claims, asserting that social media platforms are “engineered environments that can profoundly affect adolescent brain development and harm mental health.”

This state-court multidistrict litigation, Social Media Cases, Case No. JCCP5255, parallels a federal proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in which parents, school districts, and numerous state attorneys general allege that the platforms deliberately design products to keep children engaged to their detriment.

The first bellwether trials are expected to set critical benchmarks for liability and damages in this closely watched area of technology and public health law.

September 18, 2025: Competing Bellwether Trial Schedules Submitted for Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

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

More than 1,800 lawsuits are currently pending, including cases brought by individuals and school districts alleging that platforms such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube intentionally designed their products to maximize user engagement, leading to compulsive use and mental health harms in children.

Families seek compensation for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. School districts seek reimbursement for costs associated with counseling, crisis intervention, and special education services tied to social media addiction.

Judge Rogers announced that six school district lawsuits would serve as the first bellwether cases. 

Bellwether trials are early test cases designed to help the court and parties understand how juries may respond to common evidence and testimony across the litigation.

The selection and order of trials remain in dispute.

Plaintiffs requested that the Tucson Unified School District lawsuit proceed first, citing that the case is trial-ready, representative of the broader claims, and includes both negligence and public nuisance causes of action.

The platforms argue that most of the 1,000 school district complaints involve small districts, and a verdict in a larger district like Tucson would not provide a reliable measure for potential outcomes in future social media addiction settlements.

The federal bellwether trials are not expected to begin until late 2026.

Before that, the first trial involving social media addiction claims will take place in California state court, scheduled for November 24, 2025, with the next federal case management conference is set for September 19.

September 16, 2025: Judge Denies Bid to Dismiss Social Media Mental Health Suit in California MDL

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl denied Meta, Snap, and TikTok’s motion for summary judgment in the consolidated social media mental health litigation, keeping plaintiff Jamie Loach’s claims alive for an upcoming bellwether trial.

The defendants argued Loach’s case was time-barred, saying her past suspicions of addiction and publicly available news articles should have put her on notice years earlier.

Judge Kuhl rejected that reasoning, emphasizing that the issue is whether Loach suspected wrongdoing by the companies in 2022, based on her own research.

She added that whether a reasonable person should have been aware of reports in outlets like the Washington Post or Vice is a question for the jury.

Loach’s case, filed in 2023, now proceeds with two negligence claims against Meta, Snap, and TikTok, along with a negligence nonproduct failure-to-warn and fraudulent concealment claim against Meta.

The case is set for the third bellwether trial in the California coordinated proceedings, which run parallel to the federal multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of California.

September 11, 2025: Legal Pressure Mounts on Engagement-Driven Algorithms

Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, recently urged governments to make “addictive algorithms” illegal, warning that social-media ranking systems designed to maximize engagement, often by amplifying negative or polarizing content, harm mental health and public discourse.

In the September 8, 2025, ITV News interview, he said these engagement-driven systems reward platforms financially when users stay online longer, even if the content promoted fuels hate or anxiety.

He proposed legislation that would ban such algorithms outright or require child-specific devices and apps to exclude them while preserving non-manipulative features.

Litigation and regulation are starting to reflect these concerns.

California’s Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, which prohibits “addictive feeds” for minors without parental consent, was largely upheld by the Ninth Circuit in early September 2025 despite First Amendment challenges.

Minnesota’s attorney general has sued TikTok, alleging its recommender system deliberately hooks children, while multi-state and school-district suits against Meta, Snap, and TikTok advance claims of product defects and consumer fraud tied to endless scroll and algorithmic notifications.

These cases increasingly survive motions to dismiss, signaling courts’ willingness to treat addictive design as a legal harm.

Beyond the U.S., the EU’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Act impose transparency and risk-mitigation duties on large platforms.

Although not explicit bans, their enforcement, such as demanding internal algorithm documentation and imposing heavy fines, creates pathways to limit engagement-maximizing recommender systems.

Key hurdles remain, including defining “addictive algorithm,” proving causation, and reconciling regulation with free-expression protections.

Yet the growing mix of legislation and active litigation shows that Berners-Lee’s call is no longer theoretical and may soon influence how major technology companies design and deploy their core algorithms.

September 10, 2025: California’s ‘Addictive Feeds’ Law Largely Upheld

The Ninth Circuit has upheld most of California’s Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act (S.B. 976), rejecting NetChoice’s attempt to block the law entirely.

The panel ruled that provisions restricting children’s access to personalized algorithmic feeds without parental consent and requiring private-mode defaults can take effect, finding them constitutional under the intermediate scrutiny standard.

The court enjoined the law’s requirement that minors’ accounts hide like and share counts by default, ruling that the restriction is content-based and does not meet strict scrutiny.

The panel concluded that California could instead encourage the use of voluntary filters or provide education for parents and children.

That provision was considered severable, so the rest of the law could stay in effect.

Challenges to S.B. 976’s age-verification rules, which do not take effect until 2027, were considered premature.

The court stated that any injury caused by compliance costs is speculative until California clarifies what it means to “reasonably determine” a user’s age.

The case now goes back to the district court with instructions to modify the injunction so that it only blocks enforcement of the like-count requirement.

September 9, 2025:JAMA Neurology Findings Reinforce THL’s Case Against Social Media Giants

A new JAMA Neurology study (Sept. 2, 2025) is highlighting how sensitive the human brain is to biological and environmental exposures.

In the digital realm, decades of research now demonstrate that algorithm-driven social media platforms contribute to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other serious mental health harms in young people.

That evidence supports the foundation of social media lawsuits against companies like Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat.

Despite knowing the risks, these corporations designed and deployed addictive features, such as endless scroll, algorithmic amplification, and manipulative notifications, without adequate safeguards for their youngest and most vulnerable users.

Today, more than 1,800 cases have been consolidated in MDL No. 3047 in California.

The courts will soon decide whether social media companies can be held accountable for knowingly putting user well-being behind engagement and profit.

The principle is clear: when the science shows harm, corporations must take responsibility.

September 3, 2025: Teen Anxiety and School Absences Linked to Social Media

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

The survey found that many are skipping school due to anxiety tied to constant online exposure.

Alongside pandemic stress and heavy screen use, social media stood out as a key driver of poor mental health.

These results directly connect to the claims being raised in lawsuits against major platforms like Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube. Families and school districts argue that the design of these apps, centered on addictive features such as algorithms, likes, and endless scrolling, has created widespread harm.

Courts have recently allowed many of these lawsuits to move forward, and school districts across the country have joined, saying they’ve been forced to increase spending on mental health resources as more students struggle.

The Times findings reinforce what these lawsuits allege: that social media is not just a communication tool but a powerful influence on young users’ health, education, and wellbeing.

With anxiety contributing to school absences, plaintiffs now have additional evidence that the platforms’ design choices are linked to real-world consequences for students.

August 27, 2025: TikTok Appeals North Carolina Addiction Lawsuit to State Supreme Court

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

Judge Adam Conrad denied the companies’ request to dismiss the case on August 19, ruling that TikTok and ByteDance have significant business ties to the state, including marketing efforts, user engagement, and school grant programs.

He determined these ties are sufficient to establish jurisdiction and support the state’s claim.

North Carolina filed the lawsuit in October 2024, accusing TikTok of intentionally designing its platform to addict young users while misleading families about the risks.

The case stems from a multistate investigation launched in 2022 into the platform’s effect on minors.

The appeal shifts the case to the state’s highest court, where TikTok will once again argue that North Carolina does not have a valid reason to pursue the claim.

August 15, 2025: Supreme Court Permits Mississippi to Enforce Social Media Age-Verification Law

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

The decision upholds the Fifth Circuit’s stay of a federal judge’s preliminary injunction that blocked the law, H.B. 1126, which applies to platforms like Facebook, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Snapchat.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a solo concurrence, stated that the law is likely unconstitutional under current First Amendment precedent but agreed that NetChoice, representing the platforms, had not demonstrated entitlement to emergency relief.

The law also requires platforms to implement content moderation measures designed to decrease minors’ exposure to content that encourages violence, illegal drug use, or other unlawful acts.

NetChoice claims that the statute illegally limits access to protected speech, violates anonymous online expression, and amounts to an unconstitutional prior restraint.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch states that the law is a legal way to protect minors, referencing a recent Supreme Court decision that upheld a similar Texas age-verification requirement for pornography websites.

The case has now been sent back to the lower courts for further proceedings on the merits.

August 8, 2025: Harford County Schools Named Bellwether in Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Against Tech Giants

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

The lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleges that these platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive, contributing to widespread student mental health issues and placing financial and operational burdens on school systems.

Other Maryland districts involved in the litigation include Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, and Howard counties.

Baltimore City Schools has filed a separate but related lawsuit.

The cases have been consolidated with similar lawsuits from across the country, with other bellwether districts in Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Arizona, and South Carolina.

Five individual lawsuits will also be part of the initial trial group.

According to the complaints, the defendants’ platforms cause or exacerbate mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation among students.

The plaintiffs argue that addressing these harms has required schools to divert resources from educational services to mental health interventions, and they seek to hold the companies financially responsible.

Bellwether trials are intended to provide representative case outcomes that may guide resolutions in the broader litigation.

The first trials in the consolidated proceedings are expected to begin in 2026.

August 7, 2025: MDL Judge Extends Deadlines in Teen Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has approved a three-week extension for important deadlines in the teen social media addiction MDL, following a joint request from both sides.

The ruling grants defendants, including Meta, Google, TikTok, and YouTube, more time to contest expert witness testimony from plaintiffs claiming the platforms caused serious mental health issues in children and young adults.

The extension 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 on those experts also due that day.

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

These developments occur as 11 bellwether cases proceed with case-specific discovery in federal court ahead of a projected late 2026 trial.

Meanwhile, the first state court trial in the litigation is scheduled to start on November 24, 2025, in California.

Additional state trials are planned for March and May 2026.

August 1st, 2025: August 2025 JPML Update

The Social Media MDL grew from 1,867 cases to 1,922 between July and August.

Plaintiffs allege that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat contributed to youth mental health crises through addictive design and insufficient safeguards.

The court continues to coordinate discovery across defendants, with recent filings focusing on internal research and platform algorithms.

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

July 30th, 2025: Social Media MDL Judge Details Split Trial Plan for Bellwether Cases

To streamline proceedings, the judge in the Social Media MDL intends to separate jury trials from issues decided by the court when injunctive relief is requested.

Juries will review evidence and deliver verdicts on liability and damages, while any requests for future platform modifications will be reserved for a bench trial.

The court has selected five individual plaintiffs and six school districts to serve as bellwether cases.

Although no dates are scheduled, the judge indicated that at least one case might go to trial in early 2026.

All bellwether cases will adhere to a unified timeline, regardless of case-specific motions or settlement talks.

By dividing trial phases and coordinating the schedule across all selected cases, the court aims to prevent delays and keep the litigation moving smoothly, providing plaintiffs with a clearer path forward while holding defendants accountable on multiple levels.

July 29, 2025: Surgeon General Urges Social Media Warning Labels

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy urges Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms, citing increasing research that connects social media use to declining mental health among adolescents.

In a guest essay published Monday in The New York Times, Murthy compared the proposed labels to those used on tobacco and alcohol, stating that social media “has not been proven safe” for children and teens.

Murthy highlighted that warning labels alone won’t resolve the youth mental health crisis, but they can increase awareness and influence behavior, especially when combined with other policy measures.

He also renewed calls for legislation that would limit data collection on minors, establish health and safety standards, and improve transparency around platform algorithms.

The statement builds on a 2023 advisory in which Murthy warned that social media could be contributing to increasing rates of depression and anxiety among teens, especially girls.

July 23rd, 2025: Study Links Addictive Screen Use in Teens to Increased Mental Health Risks

A recent report by Science News, grounded in data published in JAMA, underscores a sharp distinction between general screen time and addiction-like behaviors in teens—signaling a shift in how mental health professionals and legal experts may approach the teen digital media crisis.

The large-scale study, involving over 50,000 adolescents, found that teens exhibiting signs of screen addiction—such as emotional distress when not using devices, compulsive checking, and using digital media to escape problems—were nearly twice as likely to experience suicidal ideation, attempts, or behavioral health issues.

Notably, these outcomes were consistent across total screen usage, suggesting the severity of psychological impacts hinges more on behavior than on time spent.

What’s new in the recent coverage is the emphasis on specific behavioral patterns as more predictive of mental health outcomes, rather than raw usage metrics.

This represents a significant pivot from previous discourse, which primarily focused on screen time limits.

According to experts, interventions that fail to address compulsive use may miss the root problem.

Additionally, researchers suggest that this new behavioral framework may help pinpoint which users are most at risk—potentially aiding ongoing legal efforts targeting tech companies for allegedly deploying addictive design features.

Legal observers believe this nuanced evidence could bolster product liability claims by more clearly establishing foreseeable harm and causation.

The findings arrive as Congress and state legislatures weigh new regulations on youth social media access.

If adopted, behavior-based risk models may also shape policy—potentially pushing platform operators to deploy addiction-mitigating features or face increased liability.

July 21, 2025: Judge Weighs Bifurcation of Bellwether Trials in Social Media Harm MDL

A federal judge overseeing the social media multidistrict litigation (MDL) in California is considering bifurcating upcoming bellwether trials, according to a recent Law360 report.

The litigation consolidates claims that major social media platforms—including Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube—contributed to youth mental health crises and school-related harms.

Bifurcation would split the trials into separate phases, with liability determined before moving on to damages.

This approach could streamline proceedings by avoiding full trials in cases where the defendants are not found liable.

The judge indicated that bifurcation may help manage the complex nature of the MDL, which includes hundreds of claims from school districts and individuals.

The proposal comes as parties prepare for a series of bellwether trials designed to test the strength of the claims and inform potential settlement discussions.

No final decision on the bifurcation request has been issued.

The social media MDL, centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, continues to advance through pretrial stages, with trial dates expected in the coming year.

July 18, 2025: Study Highlights Mental Health Risks of Social Media Use Among Youth Amid Ongoing Litigation

A new study published July 18, 2025, by researchers cited in News Medical found that adolescents who use social media heavily are more likely to experience reduced attention span, emotional fatigue, and symptoms resembling addiction.

The study highlights “problematic social media use” among youth, marked by behaviors such as withdrawal, craving, and increased stress levels.

The findings contribute to ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny over social media companies’ role in youth mental health.

Lawsuits filed across the U.S. accuse platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube of designing addictive features that contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in minors.

Plaintiffs in these cases include parents, school districts, and municipalities.

The latest research underscores a growing body of scientific evidence connecting excessive or passive social media use to negative mental health outcomes.

Prior studies have shown that adolescents engaging in high screen time exhibit higher rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and impaired cognitive function.

This new study may provide further support for plaintiffs seeking to demonstrate a causal link between platform design and youth mental health harm.

The litigation continues to expand as more entities, including public school systems, join multidistrict proceedings consolidated in the Northern District of California.

TorHoerman Law is actively monitoring developments related to social media mental health litigation.

July 17, 2025: Addictive Screen Use Among Teens Linked to Increased Suicide Risk, Study Finds

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

The research, part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, followed approximately 4,300 U.S. children starting at ages 9–10 over a four-year period.

Researchers measured patterns of screen use, focusing on indicators of addiction such as compulsive behavior, emotional distress when not using, and reliance on devices to cope with negative emotions.

Key findings indicate that by age 14, roughly one-third of participants exhibited increasing signs of addictive social media use, one-quarter with mobile phones, and over 40% with video games.

Adolescents in high or escalating use groups were two to three times more likely to report suicidal ideation or behavior by year four.

Specifically, 18% reported suicidal thoughts, and nearly 5% engaged in suicidal actions.

Importantly, the study emphasized that total screen time was not predictive of mental health risk.

Instead, compulsive and emotionally driven patterns of use were strongly associated with poor mental health outcomes.

The type of platform also showed differentiated effects: social media addiction correlated more with externalizing symptoms like aggression, while video game addiction was linked with internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

The findings add new support to public concerns and ongoing litigation involving the mental health impact of social media and screen addiction on minors.

July 16, 2025: Bernalillo Public Schools Join Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

Bernalillo Public Schools in New Mexico has officially joined a growing lawsuit alleging that major social media companies contribute to addiction and harm among minors.

The district’s participation marks an expansion of institutional support in the litigation targeting platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.

The lawsuit claims these companies designed their apps to be addictive, negatively impacting mental health, development, and academic performance of children and teenagers.

Bernalillo Public Schools argue the platforms have caused increased distractions, behavioral issues, and psychological harm among their students.

This action follows similar lawsuits filed nationwide by school districts, parents, and state attorneys general, seeking accountability and damages for social media’s alleged role in escalating youth addiction and related problems.

July 15, 2025: New Study Strengthens Link Between Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health Harm

A newly accepted peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Psychology (July 2025) found that upward social comparisons on platforms like Instagram and Facebook are associated with reduced self-esteem and increased depressive symptoms among young adults.

The findings may have implications for ongoing and future litigation related to social media’s impact on youth mental health.

The research, conducted in two phases, analyzed behaviors and mental health outcomes among a total of 552 participants.

In both studies, participants who engaged more frequently in upward social comparisons (comparing themselves to others who appear better off) reported significantly lower global and physical self-esteem.

In the second study, such comparisons were also linked to higher depressive symptoms.

These findings add to a growing body of scientific literature related to lawsuits against social media companies, including claims that platforms intentionally design their services to be addictive and harmful to minors.

Plaintiffs allege that these companies fail to warn users or adequately safeguard against mental health risks.

TorHoerman Law is actively monitoring developments in social media mental health litigation and is accepting cases involving youth harmed by excessive or harmful platform use.

July 11, 2025: Study Highlights Addiction-Like Brain Effects of Social Media, Raises Concerns for Youth Mental Health Litigation

A July 2025 article published in Cureus titled “Modern Day High: The Neurocognitive Impact of Social Media Usage” highlights growing concerns over the neurological and psychological consequences of frequent social media use, especially among adolescents.

The peer-reviewed study suggests that social media activates the brain’s mesolimbic dopamine system—commonly associated with addictive behaviors—through algorithmic reward structures such as likes and comments.

This activity mirrors the patterns seen in substance addiction and may reinforce compulsive usage patterns.

Researchers also point to structural brain changes linked to heavy social media engagement, including alterations in the basal ganglia, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.

These areas govern emotion regulation, decision-making, and impulse control.

The study indicates that these changes may impair cognitive development and increase emotional reactivity, particularly in young users.

The article also raises ethical concerns related to algorithm-driven engagement, user data exploitation, and the vulnerability of children and teens to targeted content.

The authors recommend early intervention by parents, educators, and policymakers to reduce habitual usage and mitigate long-term effects.

The findings come amid a broader wave of legal scrutiny involving social media companies and their alleged role in youth mental health crises.

Ongoing litigation, including cases handled by TorHoerman Law, continues to examine whether these platforms are designed in ways that knowingly exploit users’ neuropsychological vulnerabilities.

July 10, 2025: Utah Files Lawsuit Against Snapchat Over Addictive Features and AI Risks to Minors

On June 30, 2025, the State of Utah filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, alleging the social media platform harms children through addictive design features and unsafe implementation of artificial intelligence technology.

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

Utah’s lawsuit accuses Snapchat of deploying deceptive and manipulative design elements (such as Snapstreaks, ephemeral messages, and algorithmically driven push notifications) that are intended to foster compulsive use among minors.

The state also cites Snapchat’s AI chatbot, “My AI,” which allegedly provided inappropriate or dangerous advice to young users, including instructions on hiding drug use and sexually suggestive content to accounts representing minors.

The lawsuit also raises concerns about privacy violations. Utah alleges the platform collects biometric, behavioral, and location data from underage users without proper disclosure or consent.

The complaint asserts these practices violate the Utah Consumer Privacy Act and the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act.

Additional allegations include facilitating illegal drug sales and exploitation through features such as Snap Map, which allows users to share their location in real-time.

The complaint states that these features have been linked to real-world harms, including predatory behavior and overdose incidents.

Utah seeks civil penalties, restitution, and injunctive relief to prevent Snapchat from continuing the alleged practices.

This marks the fourth legal action by Utah targeting a major tech company over youth safety concerns, following earlier suits against Meta and TikTok.

July 3rd, 2025: Study Links Social Media Burnout to Problematic Use and Anxiety in Young Adults

A peer-reviewed study published July 2, 2025, in Scientific Reports finds that problematic social media use and anxiety related to online platforms contribute significantly to social media burnout and temporary disengagement among university students.

The study surveyed undergraduate students and applied the stressor–strain–outcome (SSO) model to evaluate how social media burnout mediates the relationship between problematic use and discontinuous usage—defined as taking intentional breaks or quitting social platforms.

Researchers concluded that higher levels of problematic use led to greater burnout, which in turn increased the likelihood of stepping away from social media.

Social media-related anxiety, including fears tied to self-presentation and content sharing, was also shown to amplify both the effects of problematic use on burnout and burnout’s influence on discontinuous use.

This indicates anxiety functions as a moderator in the SSO model.

Despite these associations, researchers noted that many users who experience burnout or anxiety continue to use social media heavily, highlighting the compulsive nature of digital engagement.

The study has several limitations. It focused on a relatively small and homogenous sample of university students, rather than the broader and younger population—including children and adolescents—most often involved in litigation related to social media harms.

Findings were also based on self-reported behaviors, and the study did not distinguish between individual social media platforms.

While not directly generalizable to the primary demographic in ongoing lawsuits, the results may lay a foundation for future research into the psychological and behavioral effects of social media across younger age groups.

These findings may become relevant as litigation and regulatory efforts continue to examine the mental health impacts of social media use, particularly among children and adolescents.

July 2, 2025: Utah Sues Snapchat Over Addictive Features and Harmful AI Targeting Minors

On June 30, 2025, the State of Utah filed a 90-page lawsuit against Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, alleging the platform uses intentionally addictive design features and unsafe AI technologies that target and harm minors.

The complaint was filed in Salt Lake County’s 3rd District Court and seeks injunctive relief, civil penalties exceeding $300,000, and restitution.

The lawsuit claims Snapchat’s features—including Snapstreaks, disappearing messages, push notifications, filters, Snap Map, and the “My AI” chatbot—are engineered to exploit psychological vulnerabilities in young users to increase engagement and corporate profit.

Utah officials argue that these features, combined with personalized algorithms, function similarly to gambling mechanisms by creating reward loops that drive compulsive use.

The complaint also accuses Snap of violating the Utah Consumer Privacy Act by collecting biometric data, geolocation information, and failing to provide clear opt-out options. Investigators with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, posing as minors, reportedly received sexualized content, drug-related suggestions, and AI-generated instructions on hiding alcohol or initiating sexual activity.

Utah contends Snap misled parents and the public by marketing Snapchat as a safe platform while failing to disclose the risks associated with its features and AI technology.

The state seeks court-ordered changes to the platform’s design and disclosures, as well as financial penalties.

Snap Inc. responded by defending its platform, highlighting its teen privacy settings, parental controls, and support for federal age verification measures.

The company also claimed Utah’s lawsuit attempts to circumvent prior constitutional setbacks, referencing the federal court’s earlier block of Utah’s app-store age verification law.

This is the fourth lawsuit Utah has filed against a major social media company, following similar legal actions against Meta and TikTok, as part of an ongoing effort to address youth mental health risks associated with digital platforms.

July 1, 2025: July 2025 JPML Update

The Social Media MDL rose to 1,867 cases between June and July, an increase of 53 total Social Media Addiction Lawsuits over the month.

Plaintiffs continue to allege that platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat contributed to youth mental health crises by designing addictive algorithms without adequate warnings.

The growing docket reflects sustained legal interest following recent expert reports and procedural rulings.

Discovery efforts remain focused on internal corporate communications and product design data relevant to harm and causation.

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

June 26, 2025: Study Links Screen Addiction to Higher Risk of Teen Mental Health Issues

Two new studies have reinforced the growing consensus that addictive screen use—not overall screen time—is strongly linked to serious mental health risks in adolescents and children, including increased rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The first study, led by researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University, and UC Berkeley, tracked over 10,000 adolescents for two years.

The study found that teenagers exhibiting signs of screen addiction were nearly twice as likely to experience suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, aggression, and rule-breaking behavior.

The study emphasized that compulsive usage patterns—such as emotional distress when disconnected, using screens to escape negative emotions, and repeated failed attempts to cut back—were stronger predictors of harm than total hours spent on screens.

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

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

Children identified with mobile phone addiction were more than twice as likely to engage in suicidal behavior, with social media addiction showing similar risk levels.

Video game addiction was linked to a moderate increase in risk.

The ABCD study also found platform-specific mental health outcomes: video game addiction was tied more closely to anxiety and depression, while social media addiction was associated with externalizing behaviors such as aggression.

By year four, 41% of participants showed high video game addiction, 25% showed increasing social media addiction, and nearly 50% demonstrated rising mobile phone addiction.

Together, these studies bolster concerns about the mental health impact of digital technologies on youth and may influence pending litigation against social media and tech companies.

Thousands of lawsuits are currently in progress, alleging that these companies have intentionally designed platforms to encourage addictive use among minors, contributing to a growing youth mental health crisis.

June 25th, 2025: Judge Names First Trials in Social Media MDL

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has approved the initial bellwether cases in the Social Media Addiction MDL, selecting six school districts and five individual plaintiffs for early jury trials.

On June 16, the court issued Case Management Order No. 24, specifying the claims that will move forward to test legal theories and evidence regarding youth mental health issues linked to platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.

The selected school district cases span diverse geographic and socioeconomic regions, including Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Arizona, and South Carolina.

Each district claims the platforms have worsened a student mental health crisis, causing schools to shift resources to counseling and suicide prevention.

DeKalb County (GA) notably raised a Lexecon objection that might influence its trial location, whereas Tucson Unified (AZ) was involved in a discovery dispute regarding late-stage witness disclosures.

The five individual cases—D’Orazio, Smith, Melton, Mullen, and Clevenger v. Meta Platforms—were brought forward on behalf of young users who suffered from conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts following extensive social media use.

If someone is dismissed prior to the trial, S.K. v. Meta could serve as a contingency.

The initial trial is scheduled for 2026.

Although nonbinding, these key outcomes could shape how juries perceive claims that social media companies deliberately designed addictive features to exploit teenagers’ psychological vulnerabilities.

June 23th, 2025: Addictive Screen Use in Teens Linked to Suicide Risk as States Expand School Cellphone Bans

A new report published by K–12 Dive highlights mounting evidence that compulsive use of digital devices—particularly cellphones and social media—is associated with a significantly increased risk of suicidal behavior in teens.

The findings come as 21 states implement or expand restrictions on cellphone use during school hours.

The data draws from a study of over 4,000 adolescents, revealing that approximately one-third of teens exhibited addictive social media behaviors, and about one-quarter showed signs of cellphone addiction.

These patterns—characterized by emotional distress and compulsive checking—were directly linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation and attempts.

Notably, the study found that it was the nature of use, not the total amount of screen time, that correlated with mental health concerns.

In one Florida school district that enacted a classroom cellphone ban in 2023, researchers found students who used social media more than six hours daily were three times more likely to receive mostly D and F grades and six times more likely to report symptoms of severe depression.

The analysis accounted for age, race, gender, and household income.

The report also cites a meta-analysis of 117 studies showing a feedback loop: screen use can both cause and result from emotional or behavioral problems in youth.

As schools and lawmakers respond with broader restrictions, critics argue that school-based policies may not reduce overall usage, since most device time occurs outside of school.

Nevertheless, the Surgeon General and international bodies like UNESCO continue to call for aggressive action, including social media warning labels and federal regulation of youth access.

June 18th, 2025: Social Media Platforms Under Legal Fire for Dopamine-Driven Design Impacting Youth Mental Health

Social media companies are facing increased legal scrutiny over the use of dopamine-triggering design features that may contribute to youth mental health issues.

A June 17, 2025 report by The Jerusalem Post highlighted how platforms use variable rewards—such as likes, algorithmic content feeds, and notification prompts—to exploit the brain’s dopamine response, potentially leading to compulsive use patterns.

Pending lawsuits allege that companies like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat have intentionally designed features to maximize user engagement at the expense of psychological well-being, particularly among teens.

Plaintiffs claim these practices contribute to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and attention disorders, and that the platforms failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks.

Legal arguments in these cases focus on product liability, negligence, and deceptive business practices.

Attorneys contend that the design of these platforms amounts to a form of digital manipulation that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including minors.

Some courts are now considering whether algorithmic design elements may fall under defective product claims.

Meanwhile, federal lawmakers and regulatory agencies are evaluating whether new regulations are needed to limit or disclose the psychological impacts of social media design.

June 17th, 2025: Minnesota Passes Groundbreaking Social Media Warning Label Law

Minnesota has become the first state to enact legislation mandating mental health warning labels and usage timers on social media platforms.

The bill, passed by the Legislature and awaiting Governor Tim Walz’s signature, imposes requirements that will take effect in two phases.

The warning label mandate is set to begin on July 1, 2026, while the usage timer notifications will be required starting July 1, 2025.

The law mandates that social media platforms display a prominent mental health warning label each time a user accesses the platform.

The label must remain visible until the user either exits or acknowledges the warning.

Platforms must also implement pop-up notifications that alert users to their time spent on the platform, providing updates every 30 minutes.

These notifications will also offer users the option to deactivate the timer or adjust it, but the maximum allowable interval is 60 minutes.

The warning labels are required to include information about the potential negative mental health impacts of excessive social media use, as well as contact details for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The Minnesota Commissioner of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, will establish evidence-based guidelines for the content of these warnings.

Enforcement will fall under the purview of the state’s Attorney General.

Supporters of the legislation have cited growing concerns over the mental health impacts of social media, particularly among young users.

Advocates pointed to data linking social media usage to increased rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm.

The law has drawn criticism from industry groups, including NetChoice, which argue that it infringes upon First Amendment rights by compelling speech.

The legal challenges expected from the social media industry will likely center on whether the mandated warnings meet the constitutional standard of “purely factual and uncontroversial information” as required under First Amendment doctrine.

June 16th, 2025: Social Media Addiction MDL Bellwether Pool Finalized

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has finalized the first school district bellwether trial pool in the Social Media Addiction MDL, selecting six districts from Maryland, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Arizona.

The selection consists of three picks for the plaintiffs and three for the defense, designed to showcase a broad spectrum of geographic and socioeconomic diversity.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers highlighted the necessity of demographic diversity in the bellwether process, turning down a suggested Utah school district due to its distinctive state-specific factors.

The court selected Hartford, Maryland, along with districts in Georgia and Kentucky, to showcase income diversity, and chose Irvington, New Jersey, for its largely underrepresented student body.

The judge dismissed the defense’s objections, including TikTok’s concerns about Tucson’s history of segregation, deeming them irrelevant.

Both Tucson, Arizona, and Charleston, North Carolina, were included in the proceedings.

The judge plans to bring a rural case to trial in Eureka, California, to guarantee representation from rural communities.

The judge lowered the suggested pool for personal injury plaintiffs from seven cases to five, while confirming the inclusion of two plaintiffs.

Nuala Mullen is one individual whose reported struggles with anorexia and body dysmorphia are allegedly linked to her use of social media, garnering public interest.

A different plaintiff suffering from anorexia was excluded because of a recent relapse; nonetheless, Judge Gonzalez Rogers indicated that she would reconsider if another case is withdrawn.

Meta’s statute of limitations defenses regarding a Pennsylvania plaintiff’s journal entries were deferred, allowing the case to remain active for now.

Finally, Judge Gonzalez Rogers acknowledged a continuing discovery dispute related to YouTube’s redactions.

She may take action following U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter H. Kang’s recent directive for an in-camera examination of unredacted documents.

June 11th, 2025: “Switch Off” Digital Detox Campaign Targets Teen Screen Addiction, Rising Depression Rates

A global initiative set for June 18, 2025, known as “Switch Off,” aims to draw attention to the growing crisis of teen digital addiction and its link to rising depression rates.

The 24-hour digital detox campaign is a response to data showing that teen depression has doubled in recent years.

Organizers of the event encourage schools, families, and individuals to disconnect from non-essential digital devices, including social media and streaming platforms, for one day.

The goal is to promote awareness of how excessive screen time may contribute to mental health issues in adolescents.

Research cited by campaign organizers links prolonged screen exposure to increased risks of anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

The initiative comes amid growing public health discussions about regulating screen time and educating youth on the risks of digital overuse.

The event underscores broader legal and policy conversations surrounding social media regulation, teen mental health protections, and potential corporate accountability for harmful digital design practices.

June 10th, 2025: Columbia Report Evaluates Impact of Social Media Restrictions for Teens

A new Columbia University study published in JAMA Pediatrics has made headlines for questioning the effectiveness of state laws restricting teen social media use.

While critics may use this study to cast doubt on regulation, the study strikes the core premise behind the active Social Media Addiction Lawsuit: Big Tech’s platforms were never designed with children’s mental health in mind and lawmakers are scrambling to address a crisis that tech companies created and continue to profit from.

Columbia’s researchers reviewed over 50 regulatory initiatives and found that laws requiring age verification, time restrictions, or content moderation have not been proven effective.

That is not surprising.

These interventions are inherently reactive and are crafted after damage has already been done.

What has been proven, and what the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit is built on, is that excessive social media use correlates strongly with depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, and behavioral dysregulation in children and teens.

Internal documents, whistleblower testimony, and research – including Meta’s own leaked studies – show that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and others were deliberately engineered to exploit addictive tendencies and prolong screen time, regardless of harm to young users.

The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit does not claim these state laws are a magic fix to the crisis.

The lawsuit asserts something more urgent: these platforms knew their algorithms harmed youth and failed to act.

This new Columbia University study should be interpreted as a call for deeper research.

It also confirms what families and our attorneys already know: the social media industry has not been transparent, has not been accountable, and cannot be trusted to police itself.

June 9th, 2025: Lawmakers and Experts Push for Action on Social Media’s Role in Teen Mental Health Crisis

Efforts to address the mental health risks of teen social media use are intensifying, with experts, educators, and lawmakers calling for regulatory and educational interventions.

A recent special report by the South China Morning Post highlights the mounting pressure on governments and tech platforms to mitigate the psychological harms linked to compulsive social media use among adolescents.

Researchers and educators emphasize that social media platforms—designed with features such as infinite scroll, algorithm-driven content, and real-time feedback—can contribute to addictive behaviors and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

These concerns are further heightened by the prevalence of curated content that fosters unrealistic standards and negative self-comparison among teens.

The report outlines that some school systems are implementing media literacy programs aimed at promoting critical engagement with digital content, rather than focusing solely on limiting screen time.

Mental health professionals are also advocating for regulatory oversight of platform design choices that may exploit teen vulnerabilities.

Calls for a coordinated response—including legislation to limit harmful design elements and greater parental education—reflect a growing consensus that voluntary reforms by tech companies may not be sufficient to protect younger users.

The teen mental health crisis has become a focal point of broader public health and legal discussions, with potential implications for future litigation and policymaking.

June 5th, 2025: TikTok Mental Health Misinformation Raises Concerns Over Unregulated Content

A new investigation reviewed by The Guardian found that more than half of TikTok’s top #mentalhealthtips videos contain some form of misinformation.

Out of 100 highly viewed videos, 52 misrepresented mental health conditions or promoted unevidenced treatments, according to a team of reviewing psychologists.

The misleading content included claims that normalize clinical diagnoses based on common feelings, misuse clinical terms like “abuse,” promote unsupported treatments such as trauma cures in under an hour, and share anecdotal experiences as generalized medical advice.

One psychologist, Amber Johnston, noted that this type of content can make viewers feel worse when the so-called tips fail to help.

This study could have implications for ongoing social media platform litigation, especially as tech companies face increased scrutiny over their role in distributing health misinformation.

While TikTok maintains that it removes 98% of harmful misinformation before it’s reported and collaborates with health organizations like the WHO and the NHS, its response has emphasized free expression over content accuracy.

The findings may fuel arguments in lawsuits concerning digital harm, algorithmic amplification of false medical claims, and platform accountability.

June 4th, 2025: Study Reveals Over Half of Viral TikTok Mental Health Videos Contain Misinformation

A May 2025 study reported by The Guardian found that more than 50% of the top 100 most-viewed TikTok videos tagged with #mentalhealthtips contain some form of misinformation.

The review, conducted by licensed psychiatrists and psychologists, evaluated videos for clinical accuracy and determined that many offered misleading, unverified, or harmful advice.

The analysis highlighted a range of issues, including the promotion of unproven treatments, misuse of psychological terminology, and the trivialization of mental health disorders.

Some videos suggested trauma could be cured in minutes or equated everyday emotions with psychiatric conditions.

TikTok, which has a significant youth user base, is under scrutiny for its algorithmic amplification of such content.

Despite platform policies claiming to work with health authorities to curb misinformation, critics argue enforcement is inadequate.

In response to the findings, mental health professionals and UK Members of Parliament are calling for stricter regulation of mental health-related content on social media platforms.

June 3rd, 2025: Experts Warn That Social Media Fuels Eating Disorders Among Teens

A growing body of expert warnings connects social media use to worsening eating disorders among young people, highlighting content that glorifies extreme thinness and promotes dangerous dieting behaviors.

Dietitians and psychiatrists indicate that platforms like TikTok and Instagram are hastening the onset of conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, especially among teenage girls.

French nutritionist Carole Copti states that treating eating disorders now always involves addressing social media use, which she describes as both a “trigger” and a central “obstacle to recovery.”

Trends like #skinnytok spread harmful advice, including the normalization of purging behaviors and extreme calorie restriction.

Health professionals are increasingly concerned about the impact of pseudo-nutrition influencers who promote unscientific and sometimes illegal advice.

Psychiatrist Nathalie Godart states that these voices often carry more influence than official health institutions.

Some users even profit from disordered behaviors, creating a feedback loop that validates and generates financial gain.

Despite repeated efforts to flag content, clinicians say that platforms rarely remove it, prompting some to recommend that patients delete social apps entirely.

June 2nd, 2025: June 2025 JPML Update

The Social Media MDL added 27 new cases between May and June, bringing the total to 1,814.

Plaintiffs continue to file claims alleging that prolonged exposure to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat contributed to eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and self-harm—particularly among teens.

Recent complaints include school counselor records, pediatric mental health diagnoses, and evidence of algorithm-driven content surfacing harmful material.

Lawyers are organizing expert panels focused on adolescent neurodevelopment, content moderation practices, and the addictive design features of platform interfaces.

The court is expected to address motions on platform immunity and data preservation later this summer.

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

May 27, 2025: Study Connects Increased Social Media Use to Significant Rise in Pre-Teen Depression Symptoms

A major new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that when preteens increase their social media use, depressive symptoms rise significantly in the following year.

The findings derive from nearly 12,000 children tracked between the ages of 9 and 13, utilizing self-reported social media usage and parent-reported depression scores.

Every year, increases in social media usage were linked to a 7–9% rise in symptoms of depression.

There was no evidence that symptoms of depression predicted increased use of social media later, suggesting that the relationship is one-directional.

Researchers concluded that social media use is not only correlated with but also likely contributes to worsening emotional health.

The study found that increases in social media use were linked to higher rates of reported symptoms, including persistent sadness, social withdrawal, and hopelessness.

May 13th, 2025: Legislative Push for Social Media Warning Labels Gains Momentum Amid Concerns Over Youth Mental Health

A growing movement across multiple states is pushing for legislation that would mandate warning labels on social media platforms, highlighting potential mental health risks to teenagers.

The latest proposal under consideration in the California Assembly mandates platforms display a warning when users log in and, after three hours of continuous use, pause activity for 90 seconds while the warning remains on screen.

The initiative, supported by the Kids Code Coalition, aims to raise awareness about the potential psychological effects of social media use, especially among adolescents.

Advocates argue that while warning labels are not a cure-all, they represent an essential step toward transparency and early intervention in the ongoing youth mental health crisis.

The California proposal has bipartisan support and is expected to be reviewed by the committee later this month.

Similar efforts are ongoing in Texas, where a similar bill has already passed the state House.

Momentum is also building in other states, including New York, as part of a coordinated effort to create broader protections for minors online.

Supporters of these legislative efforts hope that widespread state adoption will pressure Congress to consider federal action.

May 2025 JPML Update

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit involves claims that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others have contributed to rising rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal behavior—especially among adolescents.

Plaintiffs allege that social media companies failed to address known mental health harms caused by their platforms’ addictive design and content algorithms.

42 cases have been added to the Social Media MDL in the past month.

This growth has been consistent throughout this year, with 813 cases added to the litigation since January 1st.

Families and young users continue to come forward, holding platforms accountable for the psychological effects linked to excessive social media use.

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

April 29th, 2025: Teen Mental Health Crisis Deepens Amid Rising Social Media Addiction

The negative impact of social media on teen mental health is growing more severe, according to a new national survey.

Nearly half of U.S. teens (48%) say social media platforms have a mostly adverse effect on people their age, a sharp rise from 32% in 2022.

At the same time, 45% of teens report spending too much time on these platforms, with girls particularly vulnerable to the harms.

Teen girls are significantly more likely than boys to say social media has hurt their mental health, sleep, and self-confidence.

About 25% of teen girls report worsened mental health due to social media, compared to 14% of boys.

Disrupted sleep is another major issue, with half of teen girls and 40% of boys saying social media hurts their sleep habits.

Feelings of pressure, exclusion, and emotional distress are common.

Around 39% of teens report feeling overwhelmed by drama on social media, and nearly a third feel pressure to post content that gains approval from their peers.

Teen girls are particularly affected, reporting higher rates of feeling excluded by friends and worse about their own lives compared to boys.

Although some teens have attempted to cut back, the majority continue to struggle with heavy usage.

The percentage of teens who recognize they are spending too much time on social media has climbed significantly, indicating a worsening pattern of dependency and its toll on adolescent mental health.

April 23rd, 2025: Federal Judge Strikes Down Ohio Law Limiting Teen Social Media Use

An Ohio law aimed at limiting children’s use of social media by requiring parental consent before teens can access platforms has been struck down by a federal judge, who deemed it unconstitutional due to its violation of First Amendment rights.

U.S. District Court Judge Algenon Marbley issued the ruling on April 16, 2025, siding with NetChoice, a trade association representing major tech companies like Meta, Google, and X (formerly Twitter).

The law, which was set to take effect in 2024, would have required social media operators to obtain parental consent for children under 16 and notify parents about content moderation practices.

Judge Marbley acknowledged the law’s intent to protect children but found it overly broad, potentially infringing on both children’s free speech rights and parental rights.

This decision follows a wave of social media addiction lawsuits across the country, with parents alleging that platforms’ algorithms intentionally foster addictive behaviors, leading to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm.

Over 1,500 such lawsuits have been filed, and many have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation in California.

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

April 14th: 2025, Zuckerberg Testifies in FTC Antitrust Trial: Potential Ripple Effects for Mental Health Litigation

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently provided more than ten hours of testimony in a high-stakes antitrust trial initiated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The case revolves around allegations that Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were intended to stifle competition and establish dominance in the social networking market.

According to the FTC, internal communications suggest that Meta leadership considered spinning off Instagram in 2018 to preempt regulatory scrutiny, a move the agency argues reflects awareness of potential monopolistic behavior.

Meta asserts that its acquisition strategy was legally approved at the time and was motivated by efforts to enhance user experience through innovation and integration.

Although this case primarily concerns antitrust law, its implications may reach a broader legal context, especially lawsuits regarding the role of social media platforms in youth mental health.

Across the country, Meta and other companies are facing litigation that claims their platforms are designed to promote compulsive use among young users, contributing to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption.

While these lawsuits are legally separate, they intersect with the antitrust trial in significant ways.

The FTC trial offers a unique, detailed insight into Meta’s long-term strategy and internal decision-making processes.

If the government succeeds in demonstrating that Meta knowingly pursued growth and dominance at the expense of competition, that narrative could support claims in the addiction-related lawsuits that the company similarly prioritized engagement and revenue over user well-being.

Both sets of litigation are asking the courts to evaluate the extent to which social media companies are responsible for the consequences of their business practices, including whether they acted with knowledge of potential harm.

A ruling against Meta in the antitrust case would not directly affect the outcome of the mental health cases.

Nevertheless, it could help shape the legal and regulatory environment in which those cases are evaluated.

It may also heighten public and legal scrutiny regarding how platforms are designed and marketed to users, especially minors.

As litigation continues on both fronts, courts, regulators, and policymakers are being asked to consider not only how these companies compete but also how their business models impact consumers and society as a whole.

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

With the growing concern over youth mental health, Washington state lawmakers are considering a new tax on prominent social media companies.

The aim is to address the funding gap for youth mental health services.

The proposed law, House Bill 2038, will take effect in early 2026 and is expected to raise about $45 million over six years. This significant amount could positively change the state’s youth mental health services.

The bill adds a 0.4% tax on the income of companies that run social media platforms in the state.

This is in addition to the taxes they already pay under Washington’s business and occupation (B&O) tax system.

The money collected would go into a special fund, the Youth Behavioral Health Account, used only for programs supporting mental health care for people from birth through age 25.

The funds would support a wide range of services, including:

• Therapy and support programs in schools through telehealth
• Help for youth with complex mental health needs.
• Implementation of the state’s youth mental health plan (currently in development)

The bill also creates a new leadership position in the Governor’s office, the Chief Officer of Youth Behavioral Health, to oversee and improve youth mental health programs across different systems, such as health care, education, and child welfare.

Only large, for-profit companies would pay the tax.

Nonprofits and small businesses earning less than $125,000 annually would be exempt.

The bill doesn’t expire after 10 years, as many taxes do, and it avoids the usual review by the state’s audit committee, signaling a long-term commitment.

Supporters believe the tax is necessary because of growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health.

However, several tech industry groups oppose the bill.

They say it could violate the Internet Tax Freedom Act, a federal law that prevents unfair taxes on online services.

They also argue that the bill’s definition of “social media” is too broad and could create confusion for businesses that offer social features but aren’t traditional social media platforms.

Under the bill, a “social media platform” is a service that lets users create profiles and publicly share content like posts, videos, or photos.

It does not include platforms used mainly for messaging, email, gaming, customer support, or product reviews.

HB 2038 had its first hearing in the House Finance Committee.

A similar bill in the Senate, SB 5803, has not yet had a hearing.

While this bill sets up the tax and the fund, the legislature will still need to decide how the money is spent in future budget decisions.

This proposal is part of Washington’s broader effort to improve youth mental health services, as the state currently ranks among the lowest in the country for access to care.

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

A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders has found that 40% of children and teens undergoing treatment for depression and suicidal ideation report problematic use of social media.

The research, led by Dr. Madhukar Trevadi at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, surveyed 489 youth and linked excessive social media use with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

These findings add to growing evidence supporting more than 1,500 lawsuits filed nationwide against major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

The lawsuits claim these companies deliberately designed algorithms that promote compulsive use and addictive behavior, particularly among vulnerable young users.

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

Recently, Judge Rogers allowed core negligence and wrongful death claims to proceed toward trial, clearing the path for the litigation to move forward.

This new study reinforces the central allegation that social media companies prioritized engagement over user safety, contributing to widespread mental health crises among youth.

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

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

The law, aimed at restricting minors’ access to certain social media platforms, remains unblocked, but the plaintiffs have been given until March 31 to revise and refile their case.

The lawsuit was brought by the Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, whose members include major tech companies like Google and Meta.

The groups argue that the law violates the First Amendment by limiting access to online platforms.

However, the judge’s ruling did not address constitutional concerns, instead focusing on whether the plaintiffs demonstrated a direct impact on their members.

The law prohibits children under 14 from opening social media accounts and requires parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds.

It does not explicitly name affected platforms but defines them based on criteria such as the use of algorithms and addictive features.

Lawyers for the industry groups previously argued that platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat would be impacted, but the judge found that they had not provided enough evidence to prove this.

The decision also follows a prior ruling denying the groups’ request for a preliminary injunction, which sought to halt enforcement of the law.

Florida officials had already agreed not to enforce it until the court ruled on the injunction request.

The plaintiffs have stated they will amend their lawsuit and renew their efforts to block the law, maintaining that it imposes unconstitutional restrictions on access to online speech.

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 TorHoerman Law 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 has seen a noticeable increase in filings from March to April 2025.

In March, the total number of Social Media Lawsuits stood at 1,464.

By April 1st, this number rose to 1,745, reflecting an increase of 281 new cases.

This rise in filings reflects growing concern over the potential harms caused by social media platforms, especially regarding mental health issues in users.

The Social Media Lawsuit alleges that social media companies have contributed to the rise in mental health conditions, particularly among young people, through addictive design features, harmful content, and inadequate measures to protect vulnerable users.

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

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that challenged Arkansas Act 689, a 2023 law aimed at restricting minors’ access to major social media platforms.

Key points include:

• Law Overview: Act 689 requires social media companies to verify users’ ages and block access to users under 18 without parental consent.
• Challenge: NetChoice, a tech trade group representing companies like Meta and TikTok, filed the lawsuit, arguing the law violated First Amendment rights and was overly broad.
• Initial Ruling: In August 2023, a federal judge temporarily blocked the law, citing constitutional concerns.
• New Ruling: U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks dismissed the lawsuit, stating NetChoice lacked standing since the law never took effect and didn’t yet cause direct harm to its members.
• Legal Future: The ruling leaves the door open for future challenges if the law is enforced or amended.

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

Two recent studies have highlighted the serious mental health risks linked to excessive social media use, adding to the growing body of evidence in lawsuits against Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.

A study in BMC Psychiatry found that heavy social media use can contribute to narcissism, body dysmorphia, and delusional thinking, detaching users from reality and distorting their self-perception.

Another study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that real-world friendships lead to better mental health outcomes, while excessive screen time—7+ hours daily—is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low well-being.

As more research confirms these dangers, over 1,500 lawsuits are moving forward, alleging that social media companies intentionally designed their platforms to be addictive, prioritizing profits over the mental health of young users.

School districts are also suing to recover the costs of mental health services for students struggling with social media addiction.

The first bellwether trials are expected to begin in 2026, and while the outcomes won’t be binding, they could influence future settlements for families and schools affected by these issues.

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

Utah Lawsuit Against TikTok Moves Forward

A Utah judge has allowed the state’s lawsuit against TikTok to move forward, denying the company’s motion to dismiss the case.

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

The complaint claims that TikTok operates “like a virtual strip club” by enabling young users to be sexually exploited in exchange for virtual gifts.

TikTok argued for dismissal, citing jurisdictional issues and federal protections that shield it as a publisher of third-party content.

However, Utah District Judge Coral Sanchez rejected these arguments, stating that TikTok’s intentional commercial activity in Utah and its financial benefit from users in the state made it subject to the state’s jurisdiction.

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting minors from harm.

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

Study Bolsters Legal Challenges Against Social Media Corporations

A recent study by researchers at the University of Amsterdam urgently highlights the need to address the possible psychological harm social media may be inflicting on young users.

This issue is central to ongoing lawsuits against major social media platforms.

The research underscores the significant and potentially devastating effects of social media on adolescent and young adult mental health.

Findings indicate that this demographic is particularly vulnerable to social validation and rejection, with online interactions significantly influencing their mood, self-esteem, and brain function.

Published in Science Advances, the study analyzed over 1.6 million Instagram posts, performed experimental mood assessments, and used neuroimaging to assess how likes and social feedback impact users.

The results reveal that adolescents experience heightened emotional responses to social media interactions, with the absence of likes contributing to decreased self-esteem and symptoms of depression.

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

These findings support growing legal claims that social media companies design their platforms to exploit psychological vulnerabilities, particularly in young users.

Ongoing lawsuits argue that features such as engagement-driven algorithms and validation metrics promote compulsive usage, raising concerns about corporate responsibility and potential harm.

It is imperative that we address these issues promptly and effectively.

Possible solutions include industry-wide reforms and enhanced digital literacy education to help young users navigate online spaces more safely.

On October 25, 2024, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that lawsuits brought by school districts across the country against major social media platforms can proceed, alleging that these platforms fostered addictive use patterns among students.

The defendants—Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap—will face accusations that their design strategies and content algorithms led to compulsive behaviors, which school districts argue have caused significant disruption and harm within educational environments.

The lawsuits target alleged manipulation tactics embedded within these platforms, designed to retain young users’ attention, which school districts claim contributes to a mental health crisis among students.

Rogers ruled in favor of allowing claims against these companies for intentionally creating addictive platforms, emphasizing that this conduct has placed undue strain on educational systems.

However, certain claims were dismissed under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally protects internet companies from liability for content generated by users on their platforms.

While Rogers’ decision aligns with the arguments from the school districts, it contrasts with a Los Angeles Superior Court decision earlier this year that denied similar claims brought by districts in Los Angeles.

The current ruling allows over 150 lawsuits to proceed while dismissing claims from Los Angeles-based entities, thus narrowing the scope of the litigation.

In the Social Media MDL, there have been 26 new cases added to the litigation within the last month, resulting in 620 total case filings reported for the month of November.

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

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.

On October 17, 2024, a Massachusetts judge rejected a motion by Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the state Attorney General.

The lawsuit, initiated by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell in October 2023, alleges that Meta designs Instagram in a way that fosters harmful social media addiction among children and teens.

The court found that the lawsuit focuses on Meta’s platform design and practices, not the content created by users, allowing the case to proceed.

This lawsuit is part of a larger trend of legal action against major social media companies, with more than 600 similar claims filed across the U.S. against internet giants like Meta, Google, YouTube, Snap, and TikTok.

Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits argue that the companies intentionally design their platforms to maximize user engagement and addiction, particularly among teens, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other psychological problems.

Meta sought to dismiss the Massachusetts lawsuit by claiming it wasn’t responsible for third-party content.

However, Suffolk County Superior Court Justice Peter B. Krupp ruled that the case centers on Meta’s own activities, specifically its design of Instagram and its internal knowledge of the harm it causes.

The lawsuit alleges that Meta was aware of the negative impact on young users but chose not to make changes that could have reduced the risks.

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

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 TorHoerman Law 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. 

The growing litigation against social media companies for their impact on youth mental health has expanded significantly, with new lawsuits now being filed by Indigenous tribes and state officials across the United States.

A lawsuit spearheaded by several Native American tribes, including the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, accuses major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Youtube, and Snapchat of violating state laws and exploiting vulnerable youth through deceptive practices.

The tribes allege that these companies’ algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, increasing exposure to harmful content and negatively affecting youth mental health.

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

The lawsuits highlight how Native youth, who already experience higher rates of mental health issues compared to their non-Native peers, are further impacted by the addictive nature of social media platforms.

Separate lawsuits against TikTok by various states have revealed internal documents indicating that the company knew of the harmful effects its platform could have on youth.

An investigation led by 14 state attorneys general found that TikTok’s own research confirmed the app’s addictive design and its potential to cause anxiety, sleep disruptions, and other negative outcomes among teens.

Despite these findings, TikTok implemented time-management tools that had minimal impact, focusing instead on public relations efforts rather than genuine safety measures.

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 TorHoerman Law 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. 

Social media platforms are facing increasing legal challenges over their impact on children’s privacy and mental health, with lawsuits filed by several states targeting major companies like TikTok and Youtube.

In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued TikTok, accusing the platform of violating children’s privacy by sharing their personal information without parental consent.

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties under the state’s Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, calling for up to 10,000 per violation.

Similarly, Arkansas has sued YouTube and its parent company, Alphabet, accusing them of fueling a youth mental health crisis.

The lawsuit alleges that YouTube is deliberately addictive, amplifies harmful content, and has driven the state to spend millions on youth mental health services.

Meanwhile, a coalition of more than a dozen states, led by California and New York, has filed lawsuits against TikTok, claiming that the platform is designed to addict children and has harmed their mental health.

The lawsuits argue that TikTok promotes dangerous challenges and beauty filters, which negatively impact body image, especially for young girls, contributing to issues like eating disorders and body dysmorphia.

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 TorHoerman Law 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 addresses claims that major social media platforms contribute to declining mental health, particularly among teenagers and young adults.

Plaintiffs allege that companies like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have knowingly designed their platforms to be addictive and have failed to warn users about the negative psychological impacts, including depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

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

By October, the number of cases pending in the MDL had risen to 594, a modest increase of 10 cases.

Key dates have been established leading up to the first trial in 2026. According to Case Management Order (CMO) 19, important deadlines include:

• May 16, 2025: Plaintiffs’ expert report is due.

• May 23, 2025: Bellwether trial pool identification.

• July 9, 2025: Defendants’ expert report is due.

• September 4, 2025: Daubert Motions.

Within the next year, there will be a clear picture of the litigation’s progress with the first trial expected as early as Quarter two of 2026.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

The U.S. District Judge overseeing the social media addiction lawsuits, involving platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and others, has delayed the start of the first bellwether trials.

Originally set for October 2025, these bellwether trials are now expected to begin in 2026 due to a request for additional time to complete fact discovery.

Plaintiffs in nearly 600 lawsuits allege that social media platforms are intentionally designed to increase user engagement, causing addiction, mental health issues, and long-term psychological damage in teens.

The lawsuits, centralized in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the Northern District of California, accuse Meta, Alphabet, Google, YouTube, Snap, TikTok, and others of manipulating content and user experience to maximize engagement while ignoring the harmful effects on young users.

Claims suggest that this has contributed to widespread anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-destructive behaviors among teens.

Judge Rogers has instructed the parties to submit a list of cases eligible for the first bellwether trials by May 2025.

Following this, expert witness discovery and challenges to evidence admissibility will take place.

Although the outcomes of the bellwether trials will not directly affect other lawsuits, the jury’s decisions may influence potential settlement amounts for other social media addiction claims.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently released a report highlighting the serious privacy risks posed by popular social media platforms, particularly for children and teens.

The report found that these companies engage in “vast surveillance” by collecting and retaining personal data from users, with little control over how that information is used.

The FTC expressed concern over how these practices affect user privacy and mental health, especially for young people who are treated the same as adults on many platforms.

The report called for stronger federal privacy legislation and emphasized the need for companies to prioritize user protection, especially for children and teens.

The FTC also highlighted the importance of parents having more control over the data collected from their children.

With growing bipartisan support, legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and COPPA 2.0 are advancing to address these privacy concerns.

As social media usage continues to impact the mental health of younger generations, the FTC report underscores the urgent need for stricter privacy protections and corporate responsibility.

The state of New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc., the company behind the social media platform Snapchat, accusing the company of enabling child exploitation, sexual abuse, and trafficking on its platform.

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

According to the lawsuit, Snapchat has become the most widely used platform for child exploitation, with features that allow predators to connect with minors, extort sexually explicit content, and distribute it among criminal networks, including the Dark Web.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez emphasized that the platform’s harmful design features endanger children by making it easy for predators to target and manipulate minors.

The lawsuit follows an undercover investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice, which found that Snapchat is frequently used for variuos schemes.

The state’s lawsuit alleges that Snap, Inc. prioritizes profits over the safety of children, accusing the company of deploying features that foster the exploitation of minors while failing to implement adequate protections or age verification.

This lawsuit comes on the heels of similar legal actions against social media giants, including a social media addiction lawsuit filed against Meta last year, where multiple states alleged that features designed by the company intentionally addict teens and expose them to harmful content.

The allegations against Snapchat mirror broader concerns about the mental health impact of social media on young users, with lawsuits claiming that addictive features lead to anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behavior in children.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

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

The case, which centers around the tragic death of Nylah Anderson in 2021, challenges the legal protections typically afforded to social media companies under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

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

While Section 230 generally shields internet companies from liability for content posted by users, the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that this protection does not extend to TikTok’s algorithmic recommendations.

The ruling, written by U.S. Circuit Judge Patty Shwartz, marks a departure from previous court decisions that have upheld Section 230 protections for social media platforms.

The court found that TikTok’s algorithm, which curates and recommends content to users, constitutes “first-party speech” by the company itself.

This means that TikTok’s choices in promoting specific content are not protected under Section 230, opening the door for legal action.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit, which addresses claims that excessive use of social media platforms has contributed to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, continues to see an increase in filings.

In August 2024, there were 557 active cases in the Social Media Mental Health lawsuit.

By September 2024, this number has risen to 584, reflecting a growing number of plaintiffs coming forward.

This increase in filings suggests heightened awareness of the potential negative impact of social media on mental health, particularly among younger users.

The rise in case numbers emphasizes the importance of seeking legal advice if you or a loved one has experienced significant mental health challenges due to social media use.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing. 

A survey of 2,000 Gen Z Americans by Talker Research, commissioned by LG Electronics, provides insight 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 is negatively affecting 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 having 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 current Social Media Lawsuit, where the impact of platform algorithms on user wellbeing 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.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing and many groups are suing social media giants. 

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has joined a 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.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing. 

The Social Media Harm Lawsuit addresses claims against major social media companies for contributing to mental health issues among users.

Plaintiffs argue that the platforms’ algorithms and features exacerbate conditions like anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

In July, there were 499 filings in the Social Media Mental Health lawsuit.

By August, this number has increased to 557 filings.

The rise in filings reflects growing recognition of the potential mental health impacts associated with social media use and more individuals seeking legal recourse.

Social media platforms are designed to maximize user engagement, often leading to excessive use.

This excessive use can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.

The addictive nature of social media and the exposure to negative content have prompted many affected individuals to file lawsuits against social media companies, highlighting the mental health risks involved.

If you or a loved one developed mental health effects, eating disorders, or other mental health issues subsequent to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to file a Social Media Harm Lawsuit and pursue financial compensation.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuits instantly.

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, alleging these platforms contribute to rising mental health issues and suicide rates among Indigenous youth.

This lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, follows similar actions by 33 states.

The complaint highlights scientific evidence and warnings from officials linking social media use to mental health problems in youth.

Lawyers representing the tribe argue that social media companies designed their platforms to be addictive despite known risks.

Indigenous youth face higher mental health challenges and fewer resources, with suicide rates five times higher than those of white youth.

The lawsuit seeks funds to improve mental health services and education within tribal communities.

Google and Meta have denied the allegations, emphasizing their efforts to create safer online experiences for teens.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim 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 TorHoerman Law 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 social media giants TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat.

They allege that these platforms are “addictive and dangerous” and are contributing to mental health issues among young students.

This legal action follows U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for a warning label on social media platforms, highlighting their association with significant mental health harms for adolescents.

Eleven school districts claim that social media platforms have caused serious financial and resource disruptions by necessitating the hiring of on-site mental health professionals.

Nicholas Ciappetta, President of the South Huntington Board of Education, stated that disruptive posts on social media 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 intend to file similar lawsuits.

In response, a Google spokesperson stated that the allegations against YouTube are “simply not true” and emphasized 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.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

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.

Affected individuals should consult a Social Media Mental Health lawsuit lawyer.

Contact TorHoerman Law 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 these lawsuits aim to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

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 a loved one have suffered from mental health problems potentially caused by social media usage, you may qualify for a claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify instantly.

Nearly 500 lawsuits have been filed against major social media companies, including Meta, Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, YouTube LLC, Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and ByteDance Inc.

These lawsuits claim that social media platforms are intentionally designed to maximize user engagement, leading to addiction and severe mental health issues among teenagers.

Plaintiffs include parents, school districts, and state attorneys general who allege that the platforms have ignored the harmful effects on young users.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has been appointed to preside over the litigation, centralized in the Northern District of California.

The first bellwether trial for the Social Media Addiction MDL is scheduled to begin on October 25, 2025. 

The selection of bellwether cases is expected by February 6, 2025. 

Bellwether trials are critical as they provide a preview of how juries may respond to evidence and testimony, potentially influencing the resolution of other cases in the litigation.

35 states have joined the lawsuits, seeking accountability for the mental health costs incurred due to social media addiction.

If you or a loved one have suffered from mental health problems potentially caused by social media usage, you may qualify for a claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify 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. 

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is urging Congress to mandate health warning labels on social media platforms to address the mental health crisis among youth.

Citing significant risks such as increased anxiety and depression associated with extended social media use, Murthy’s proposal aims to enhance user awareness and safety.

The proposed legislation would require companies like Meta, X/Twitter, TikTok, and Snap to implement digital warning labels that highlight the potential negative effects on mental health.

These labels are intended to inform users, particularly adolescents, who are most vulnerable to social media’s adverse impacts.

Murthy suggests that social media companies should also be compelled to disclose all health impact data publicly and allow access to independent scientists for unbiased analysis.

Drawing parallels to the longstanding health warnings on tobacco products, Murthy argues that similar measures for social media could lead to better-informed choices by users.

Murthy envisions that these warnings could appear as pop-up messages on websites, similar to cookie notifications, or as part of the app descriptions in digital stores.

However, the specifics of enforcement and compliance with these regulations remain under discussion.

The definition of which platforms would qualify as ‘social media’ under the new rules is also yet to be clarified.

This move comes amidst broader scrutiny of social media platforms, including regulatory hearings and discussions about a potential TikTok ban.

If you or a loved one have suffered from mental health problems potentially caused by social media usage, you may qualify for a claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify 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. 

Apart from the current personal injury litigation focused on addiction and mental health problems caused by social media, more scrutiny and restrictions are being proposed to mitigate the impact of these platforms on teens.

On June 9, 2024, New York State Legislature passed two key bills aimed at regulating social media usage among minors.

Under the bill dubbed the SAFE (Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation) for Kids Act, social media users under 18 must obtain parental consent to view “addictive” feeds.

This measure seeks to curb the engagement of minors on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, which have been identified as major contributors to the youth mental health crisis due to their reliance on addictive algorithms that prioritize user retention over well-being.

Proponents of the bills highlighted a Harvard University study which found that the six largest social media platforms earned $11 billion from advertisements targeting minors.

The legislation’s advocates referred to research that found associations between social media addiction and elevated levels of depression, and several psychiatric disorders, including, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

The second bill, the New York Child Data Protection Act, prohibits online sites from collecting, selling, or sharing the personal data of minors without informed consent.

For children under 13, this consent must be directly obtained from a parent, violations of this law may result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident.

In Mississippi, a new law set to take effect on July 1st will require age verification on digital platforms.

This new law has been met with scrutiny and litigation from tech companies.

The law was passed unanimously by the state legislature and aims to protect children from sexually explicit content

The law has been criticized for its broad implications on content moderation and privacy concerns.

States like Utah, Arkansas, and Texas have seen similar regulatory efforts.

If you or a loved one have suffered from mental health problems potentially caused by social media usage, you may qualify for a claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify instantly.

June 4, 2024

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

On June 3rd, 2024, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform enables the sexual exploitation of children through its live-streaming features.

The lawsuit claims TikTok Live allows children to engage in 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 known about these issues since December 2023.

TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes defended the platform, stating it has strong policies to protect teens and revokes access to features if accounts do not meet age requirements.

This is the second lawsuit filed by Utah’s attorney general against TikTok for allegedly putting children at risk, with a previous lawsuit accusing the app of harming young users’ mental health.

The new lawsuit claims TikTok failed to address misuse of its live feature despite being aware of the issue.

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 suffered from mental health problems potentially caused by social media usage, particularly Instagram, you may qualify for a claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify instantly.

20 cases were added to the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 3047) this month, bringing the total amount of cases pending to 475, according to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

The cases claim that TikTok and other social media platforms have designed algorithms that potentially exacerbate young users’ vulnerability to harmful content, contributing to mental health issues among users fostering addictive behaviors, and failing to protect users from harmful content.

If you or a loved one have suffered from mental health issues caused by social media use, you may be eligible to file a claim, contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. 

States, school districts, and local municipalities are also taking legal action against major social media platforms.

In the past weeks, the following have taken action:

• The mayor of the city of New York filed a lawsuit against Meta for helping fuel the youth mental health crisis.
• The Muscogee County School District has joined the multidistrict litigation against the world’s major social media companies, alleging that their content was harming students ability to learn in the classroom.
• The state of Utah filed a lawsuit against Tik Tok alleging their platform sexually exploited young people.
• Nebraska has filed a lawsuit against TikTok claiming that the platform’s design targets minors with addictive features.

If you or someone you love has developed mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other health problems due to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit instantly.