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

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Most Recent Updates:

  • There are currently more than 1,800 lawsuits pending in the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation.

  • Social Media Lawsuits allege that excessive social media use contributes to mental health issues in teenagers and young adults through the promotion of addictive behaviors and failure to shield users from harmful content.

  • Lawsuits claim that social media companies were aware of the negative impacts of their products but did not take sufficient measures to address these issues.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Filed Against Social Media Platforms for Mental Health Problems in Young Users

Question: Do I qualify for the Social Media addiction lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a Social Media Addiction Lawsuit if you or your child excessively used social media and subsequently suffered from depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, or other mental health problems.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit instantly.

An Overview of the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

If you or your child has suffered psychological or physical harm due to extensive social media use, you may be eligible to participate in ongoing litigation against major social media companies.

A growing number of lawsuits allege that platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube knowingly exposed users (especially children, teens and young adults) to serious mental health risks.

Social media harm lawsuits are filed as part of the federal Social Media Addiction MDL, which consolidates claims that major social media platforms caused or contributed to conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation.

The lawsuits assert that these platforms were intentionally designed to maximize engagement through addictive features while ignoring (or concealing) the mental health consequences.

Families are stepping forward to hold social media giants accountable for the long-term emotional and psychological damage their platforms have caused.

If your child spent significant time online and experienced noticeable changes in behavior, mood, or well-being, you may qualify to take legal action.

Do I Qualify for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit featured image

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of social media lawyers today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for the social media addiction lawsuit instantly.

Table of Contents

Lawsuit Updates

September 16, 2025

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 16, 2025
September 11, 2025

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 11, 2025
September 10, 2025

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 10, 2025
September 9, 2025

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 9, 2025
September 3, 2025

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.

September 3, 2025

Do You Qualify for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?

If your child has experienced serious mental health issues after prolonged use of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or other social media platforms, you may qualify to join the social media addiction litigation.

Lawsuits allege that these companies knowingly designed features to encourage addictive behavior while failing to protect users from the harmful mental health effects of excessive screen time.

Social media adolescent addiction has become a nationwide concern, with emerging scientific research linking extended platform use to increased rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation.

To determine whether you may have a valid claim, consider whether your child exhibited the following symptoms or diagnoses after regular engagement with social media:

  • Diagnosed mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
  • Body image issues, eating disorders, or disordered eating habits
  • Signs of behavioral addiction, such as compulsive scrolling or inability to disconnect
  • Withdrawal from personal relationships or a decline in academic performance
  • Sleep disturbances, irritability, or mood swings
  • Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts

If one or more of these issues developed during or after heavy use of your child’s social media accounts, you may meet the criteria for legal action.

It’s important to note that eligibility is not limited to Instagram.

Many claims involve harm resulting from a combination of use across other social media platforms.

The lawsuit also recognizes that other mental health issues, including social isolation and emotional dysregulation, may be part of a broader pattern of harm.

Experts argue that this growing body of evidence points to a public health crisis rooted in platforms designed to exploit young users’ attention spans.

The social media addiction litigation is open to families across the country, and each case will be reviewed individually to assess the connection between platform use and resulting injuries.

Contact our team today to find out if your experience qualifies for a claim.

What is the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?

The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit revolves around the premise that social media platforms have knowingly designed their interfaces to be addictive, often using psychological tactics to keep users engaged for extended periods.

In 2021, Pew Research Center revealed that 84% of social media users are aged 18 to 29.

An Overview Of The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

Plaintiffs in these cases seek to demonstrate that the social media companies were negligent in safeguarding the well-being of their users, particularly minors.

This lack of safeguards and guidelines contributed to the development of mental health issues.

Injuries Social Media Addiction Victims Suffered

The mental health problems arising from excessive social media use can be debilitating and life-altering.

Injuries Social Media Addiction Victims Suffered

Some of the mental health issues plaintiffs have suffered include:

  • Depression: Prolonged exposure to carefully curated images and lifestyles on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and comparison, triggering depression and self-harm tendencies in vulnerable individuals.
  • Anxiety: The constant pressure to present a perfect online persona can contribute to heightened anxiety levels, leading to social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders.
  • Body Dysmorphia: The prevalence of unrealistic body standards on social media platforms can contribute to eating disorders or body dysmorphia, a condition where individuals become obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance.
  • Low Self-Esteem: Excessive social media usage can negatively impact self-esteem, as users compare themselves to filtered and idealized representations of others.
  • Suicidal Ideation: Mental health problems and excessive social media use can contribute to suicidal thoughts and suicide ideation.

What Social Media Companies are Named in Social Media Lawsuits?

Several major technologies companies and social media giants, like Meta and ByteDance, have faced legal action due to their alleged role in fostering social media addiction and its associated mental health issues.

What Social Media Companies Are Named In Social Media Lawsuits

Social media platforms named in lawsuits include:

  • Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
  • ByteDance (TikTok)
  • Snap Inc (Snapchat)
  • Alphabet Inc (Google and YouTube)

While each individual social media addiction case may vary, these social media apps are often accused of employing persuasive design techniques, addictive algorithms, and user interface features that prioritize engagement over user well-being.

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

It’s crucial for families considering a social media addiction lawsuit to understand the platforms’ potential contributions to the problem.

Social Media’s Effects on Youth Mental Health

The effects of social media on the youth mental health crisis are a subject of increasing concern among parents, educators, and mental health professionals.

Research has shown that excessive social media use can lead to a range of mental health problems in young users.

Social Media’s Effects On Youth Mental Health

The constant social comparison, risk of cyberbullying, and fear of missing out (FOMO) that users may feel when logged into their social media accounts can contribute to heightened stress levels and psychological distress.

As a result, families are exploring legal avenues to address these harmful consequences.

What Are the Signs of Social Media Addiction?

Recognizing the signs of social media addiction is essential for identifying if a young individual may qualify for a social media addiction lawsuit.

What Are The Signs Of Social Media Addiction

Some common signs of unhealthy social media habits are as follows:

  • Spending a significant amount of time on social media platforms
  • Feeling anxious, irritable, or agitated when unable to access social media
  • Preferring online social networking over in-person interactions with friends and family
  • Staying up late or waking up early to use social media
  • Escaping negative emotions
  • Preoccupation with likes and comments
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Failed attempts to cut back on social media usage
  • Compromised real-life experiences
  • Heightened anxiety about notification
  • Secretive behavior

Do You Qualify for a Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?

In a social media addiction case, several elements need to be established to demonstrate that a victim qualifies for pursuing legal action against a social media platform.

These elements collectively form the basis for the case and help establish a causal link between the excessive use of social media and the resulting mental health problems.

Do You Qualify For A Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

Here’s how these elements relate to qualifying for a social media addiction lawsuit:

  • Plaintiffs must establish that a social media platform breached its duty to provide a safe and non-addictive environment for its users, particularly minors.
  • Plaintiffs must demonstrate the individual harm or damages they have suffered due to social media addiction, such as depression, anxiety, or body dysmorphia.
  • Plaintiffs must establish a clear causal connection between excessive social media use and subsequent mental health problems experienced.
  • Plaintiffs must show that the social media platform acted negligently or wrongfully and designed addictive features and interfaces contributing to the victim’s addiction.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?

No settlements have been reached in the Social Media Lawsuits.

However, claims filed by individuals will include damages relevant to their case that may be compensated for in the event of a settlement.

A successful social media addiction lawsuit may lead to various forms of compensation for the harm suffered by the affected individual.

What Compensation Can You Recover In A Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

While an exact payment will vary based on the specifics of a case, here are some of the types of settlements that victims may be eligible for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Emotional distress, pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitative and therapeutic costs
  • Any other costs associated with social media addiction and subsequent health problems

Medical Expenses

One of the potential types of compensation in a social media addiction lawsuit is medical expenses.

This category can include reimbursement for medical treatments, therapy sessions, counseling, and any other necessary interventions to address the mental health issues that stem from excessive social media use.

These expenses can add up quickly, and pursuing a lawsuit can help ease the financial burden on your family.

Emotional Distress

Excessive social media use and the resulting mental health problems can lead to significant emotional distress for the affected individual and their family.

Compensation for emotional distress aims to address the pain, suffering, and psychological trauma experienced due to the addictive nature of social media platforms.

While assigning a monetary value to emotional distress is challenging, seeking compensation can help acknowledge the severity of the harm caused.

Rehabilitation Costs

Social media addiction can have lasting harmful effects that require specialized rehabilitation programs and interventions.

Compensation may cover the costs associated with these programs designed to help the affected individual overcome their addiction, regain control over their life, and rebuild their mental well-being.

How Our Team Can Help in the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

At TorHoerman Law, our dedicated team is committed to helping families like yours through the process of pursuing and filing a social media addiction lawsuit.

Our experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges posed by excessive social media use and its impact on youth mental health.

How our team can assist you in qualifying for a social media addiction lawsuit

Here’s how our team can assist you in qualifying for a social media addiction lawsuit:

  • Decades of experience and applied expertise
  • Thorough and complete case evaluation
  • Tailored legal strategies specific to your situation
  • Passionate advocacy and a support network

In-Depth Expertise

Our legal professionals deeply understand the legal and psychological aspects of social media addiction cases.

We stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in this field to ensure your case is based on the most current and relevant information.

Case Evaluation

We offer a comprehensive case evaluation to assess the merits of your claim.

During this process, we review the evidence you provide, discuss potential legal strategies, and evaluate your chances of success.

This evaluation is completely free and carries no obligation, allowing you to make informed decisions about moving forward with your case.

Tailored Legal Strategy

Every social media addiction case is unique, and our team will work with you and your family to devise the best approach for your goals and priorities.

We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and provide compassionate guidance throughout the entire legal process.

Strong Advocacy

Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and are prepared to advocate fiercely on your behalf.

Whether through negotiation or litigation, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you and your family.

TorHoerman Law: Social Media Addiction Lawyers

Our compassionate and experienced attorneys are here to listen, evaluate your situation, and guide you through the process of a social media addiction lawsuit.

If your family has been affected by the harmful consequences of social media addiction, we encourage you to take the first step toward seeking justice.

Contact our team at TorHoerman Law today or use our chatbot to get your free and instant case evaluation.

Reach out to our law office for more information and to find out if you qualify for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit.

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Tor Hoerman

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You can learn more about the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit by visiting any of our pages listed below:
Facebook Mental Health Lawsuit
FAQ: Who Are the Defendants in the Social Media Lawsuit?
Instagram Mental Health Lawsuit
Potential Damages in Social Media Lawsuits
Snapchat Lawsuit
Social Media Addiction Lawsuits
Social Media Anorexia Lawsuit
Social Media Body Dysmorphia Lawsuit
Social Media Bulimia Lawsuit
Social Media Depression Lawsuit
Social Media Eating Disorders Lawsuit
Social Media Exploitation Lawsuit
Social Media Harm Lawsuit Injuries
Social Media Harm Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit
Social Media Self Harm Lawsuit
Social Media Suicide Lawsuit
Social Media's Effects on Mental Health
TikTok Mental Health Lawsuit

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