40 US states sued Meta — the owner company of Facebook and Instagram.
The renowned tech company has been accused to have caused mental health crises in youth. The attorneys general said that these social media apps tend to “exploit and manipulate” children.
The case highlights dangers of social media platforms stemming from their focus on financial gain. The young users are exploited using a business model to get them addicted to spending too much time on social media, which can consequently harm their mental health.
According to the complaint, various researches show that youth using Meta’s social media platforms undergo depression, anxiety, insomnia, interference with education and daily life, and many other mental health related issues .
The complaint was made in 2021 after Meta’s own research showed the company was aware of the harm Instagram was causing to young people, especially girls.
These states have requested the court to impose heavy fines on Meta and order them to pay compensation.
