BREAKING: Massachusetts’ highest court is currently deliberating a groundbreaking lawsuit against Meta, alleging the tech giant intentionally designed addictive features on Facebook and Instagram targeting young users. Filed in 2024 by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, the lawsuit claims these features have negatively impacted hundreds of thousands of teenagers in the state.
During today’s court hearing, state solicitor David Kravitz emphasized that the lawsuit is based on Meta’s own research, which reportedly indicates that their tools promote addiction among users. “We are making claims based only on the tools that Meta has developed,” said Kravitz, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue for the well-being of minors.
In a sharp rebuttal, Meta’s lawyer, Mark Mosier, asserted the company’s strong disagreement with the allegations, stating that the lawsuit attempts to impose liabilities for standard publishing practices protected under the First Amendment. He stated, “The commonwealth would have a better chance of getting around the First Amendment if they alleged that the speech was false or fraudulent.”
However, judges appeared focused on the implications of Meta’s notification system rather than content moderation. Justice Dalila Wendland noted, “It has created an algorithm of incessant notifications designed to feed into the fear of missing out, FOMO, that teenagers generally have.” Justice Scott Kafker added, “It’s about how to attract the eyeballs. It doesn’t care if it’s Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’ or nonsense. It’s totally focused on getting you to look at it.”
Meta is currently facing multiple lawsuits, including a joint action from 33 states alleging the company collects personal data from children under 13 without parental consent, violating federal law. In addition to these legal challenges, there are mounting concerns regarding the mental health impact of Instagram on teenagers, particularly young girls. Reports have previously revealed that as many as 13.5% of teen girls indicated that Instagram worsens suicidal thoughts, and 17% reported increased eating disorder issues.
Critics argue that Meta has failed to adequately address these grave concerns surrounding teen safety and mental health. A recent report by former employee and whistleblower Arturo Bejar, alongside four nonprofit groups, accused Meta of neglecting to take substantial actions to enhance safety, instead opting for superficial measures like new parent tools and Instagram Teen Accounts.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent in the ongoing battle over social media’s impact on youth. As the court proceedings develop, the implications for Meta could be profound, potentially reshaping how tech companies approach user engagement, especially among vulnerable populations.
As the case unfolds, experts and advocates will be watching closely, emphasizing the need for a digital environment that prioritizes the mental well-being of young users. For those affected or seeking support, resources like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available for assistance.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this urgent matter as it develops, given its potential to reshape the landscape of social media responsibility and youth protection.
