FAQ: Do I Qualify for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?

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.

California Court Ruling Challenges Section 230 Protections in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits

A California state court has ruled that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act does not shield social media companies from lawsuits targeting the design of their platforms, a decision that could significantly impact ongoing lawsuits over mental health harms allegedly caused by these platforms.

Judge Carolyn Kuhl denied a motion to dismiss a consolidated multi-district litigation (MDL) involving personal injury claims, allowing the cases to proceed toward a bellwether trial currently scheduled for late 2025.

Section 230, enacted in 1996, was originally intended to protect online platforms from liability for content posted by third-party users.

While the law includes exceptions, such as for illegal content, it has been a cornerstone of legal defenses for social media companies.

However, in this and similar lawsuits, plaintiffs argue that the issue is not the user-generated content but the platforms’ algorithms.

The lawsuits claim that algorithms actively promote harmful content, exacerbate mental health issues, and encourage addictive behavior, which they say stems from the companies’ own design choices and falls outside the scope of Section 230 protections.

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

In those cases, judges found that the law does not provide blanket immunity, particularly when claims are focused on the companies’ business practices, such as how their algorithms prioritize and deliver content.

Judge Kuhl’s decision aligns with this growing trend and reinforces the notion that Section 230 is not an absolute shield for platform design.

For plaintiffs pursuing mental health-related claims against social media companies, this ruling is a significant milestone.

It shows that courts are becoming more open to examining how algorithms and other platform features contribute to potential harms, making it easier for these kinds of lawsuits to progress.

The decision highlights the evolving legal landscape, where courts are beginning to differentiate between being responsible for content and being accountable for how platforms are designed.

As the MDL advances through discovery and pre-trial preparations, its outcomes could set important precedents for how courts approach similar cases.

While the bellwether trial is expected to provide key insights, delays are anticipated as defendants are likely to continue challenging these claims.

This decision could play a critical role in shaping the responsibilities of social media companies, particularly in cases involving mental health harms.

For plaintiffs, it represents an opportunity to hold platforms accountable for how their designs and algorithms impact users, potentially influencing the future of online platform regulation and user safety.

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

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

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

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

The complaint alleges that Snapchat’s AI-powered chatbot, “My AI,” has caused harm to its younger users.

This rare public disclosure underscores the FTC’s concern that Snapchat might be violating federal law or the terms of a 2014 settlement agreement with the agency.

Although the FTC has not detailed how the “My AI” chatbot may have harmed young users, it emphasized that making the referral public aligns with the public interest.

The agency stated that its investigation provided “reason to believe” that Snap is acting in violation of the law.

Snapchat has rejected these allegations.

A company spokesperson defended “My AI,” asserting it was developed with “rigorous safety and privacy processes.”

The spokesperson also criticized the FTC’s complaint as lacking solid evidence and argued that such regulatory actions could hinder innovation.

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

The case, formally titled United States of America v. Snap Inc., highlights the regulatory challenges posed by AI tools on social media platforms.

As the DOJ reviews the allegations, the outcome could have significant implications for balancing innovation, user safety, and freedom of expression.

This case could also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI regulation.

The lawsuit brings attention to concerns about AI tools and their potential psychological risks, which plaintiffs might use to argue that companies failed to anticipate or address these harms.

A ruling against Snap Inc. could set a precedent for liability, shaping legal standards for AI and social media safety in the years to come.

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 future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain as the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of a law that would ban the platform unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests its U.S. operations.

If the court upholds the law, TikTok’s access in the country may be severely limited starting January 19.

The legislation, passed with bipartisan support as a national security measure, specifically targets companies like Apple and Google and cloud providers like Oracle.

It prohibits them from hosting, distributing, or updating TikTok.

Users who already have the app on their devices won’t lose it immediately, but without updates or bug fixes, the app’s functionality is expected to degrade over time.

Additionally, TikTok would disappear from app stores, preventing new downloads or security patches.

While the legislation does not criminalize individual access to TikTok, technical barriers, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs) or alternative download methods, will likely deter most users.

Although President Biden has the authority to extend the deadline by 90 days if ByteDance demonstrates substantial progress toward divestiture, the company is unlikely to meet the required standard.

Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has requested a delay in the law’s implementation, arguing for time to pursue a political resolution after taking office on January 20.

This development has significant implications for ongoing and future social media mental health lawsuit cases.

This potential ban will not retroactively affect current cases.

However, users’ inability to access the platform in the U.S. could limit future claims tied to TikTok, as the app’s influence may decrease sharply over time.

If TikTok becomes inaccessible and its user base shrinks, the legal landscape could shift for those seeking compensation for mental health harm caused by the platform.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If 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 number of lawsuits related to social media mental addiction pending in the MDL has increased from 815 in December to 974 in January 2025, marking a rise of 159 new cases.

The increase in case filings suggests a heightened public awareness of this lawsuit and a shift toward legal action against social media companies for the alleged harm caused by their platforms.

Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits focus on the responsibility of social media companies in creating addictive features that may exacerbate mental health issues, especially among vulnerable populations such as teenagers and young adults.

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.