Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

Social media has garnered significant attention among adolescents, emerging as a primary platform for social interaction and self-expression. However, the influence of social media can have profound implications for the mental health of vulnerable users within this demographic. The constant exposure to carefully curated images and narratives often perpetuates unrealistic standards of beauty and success, fostering feelings of inadequacy and discontent. Consequently, individuals may experience body dysmorphia, eating disorders, depression, and even contemplate self-harm. Moreover, the addictive nature of social media exacerbates these issues, as users become trapped in a cycle of seeking validation and approval online.

Now, various social media platforms are facing a surge of lawsuits claiming that these companies knowingly designed their algorithms to manipulate and addict young people.

Companies Intentionally Designed Their Platforms To Lure Children

The lawsuits allege social media platforms employ the following tactics to deliberately captivate and addict young users:

• Using algorithms to show content that makes users stay on the apps longer
• Incorporating features like “likes” and “hearts” to create a craving for approval, similar to gambling
• Sending personalized content and ads to keep users interested
• Taking advantage of the principle of reciprocity, making users feel obligated to respond to messages and notifications, keeping them coming back for more

Qualifying Criteria for Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

Our firm is currently seeking social media addiction lawsuits from individuals who used social media apps before age 18 and suffered a severe physical injury as a direct result of that addiction. The qualifying criteria for social media addiction lawsuits include:

• Client must have used social media apps (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Snapchat) before age 18
• Client must be 25 or younger at sign up
• Client must have used the app(s) for an average of 3+ hours a day
• Client must have suffered one or more of the following injuries: eating disorders, body dysmorphia, suicidal ideation/attempt/completion, or other forms of self-harm
• Client must have received medical treatment for alleged injuries
• Client must not be currently represented by an attorney
• If deceased, death statute of limitations (SOL) applies

Qualifying Injuries for Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

While social media addiction can lead to a multitude of adverse outcomes, the following physical injuries serve as the focal points in these nationwide lawsuits:

• Eating Disorders, including but not limited to anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating
• Body Dysmorphia
• Suicidal Ideation/Attempt/Completion
• Self-harm

Contact Us To Learn More About Filing a Claim

If you or a loved one is addicted to social media and has suffered physical harm as a consequence, contact our attorneys to find out if you have a legal claim. It’s time we held Big Tech responsible for the harm they’ve caused as they profit off our youth.

At Hendler Flores Law, we take our job as your legal representative seriously. There is no cost or obligation to contact us for a case consultation. We’re available by email at info@hendlerlaw.com or by phone at 1-800-443-6353.

To download a fact sheet about Social Media Addiction, click here.