If you're 25 years old or younger and have experienced mental health problems due to social media addiction, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Parents or family members can also take action on behalf of affected young people.
 

What's Happening?

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against the companies behind popular social media platforms, including:
 

• Facebook and Instagram (owned by Meta)
• YouTube (owned by Google)
• TikTok (owned by ByteDance)
• Snapchat (owned by Snap)

These lawsuits claim that these companies purposely designed their apps to be addictive and have caused serious harm to young users' mental health.
 

The Problem

According to the lawsuits, social media platforms have contributed to a mental health crisis among young Americans.

The companies allegedly used addictive features to keep users on their apps as long as possible, without caring about how it affected their well-being.

Studies, including research conducted by Meta itself, have connected social media use to several mental health issues, such as:
 

1. Anxiety
2. Depression
3. Body image problems
4. Eating disorders
5. Suicidal thoughts

The lawsuits claim these companies knew about these dangers but did nothing to protect their users.
 

How Social Media Affects Mental Health

Research shows that heavy social media use can cause or worsen mental health problems.

People who use these apps to compare themselves to others or to gain popularity are more likely to experience:
 

• Depression
• Social anxiety
• Poor body image
• Low self-esteem

A 2017 survey of young people in the United Kingdom found that Instagram had the most negative effect on well-being compared to other social media platforms.

Experts believe this is because Instagram focuses heavily on images, which can make young users feel inadequate and anxious.

Additionally, one study found that people who posted edited selfies on Instagram were more likely to develop eating disorders.
 

Signs of Social Media Addiction

According to the American Psychiatric Association, social media addiction involves a compulsive and problematic use of these platforms. Common signs include:
 

• Being unable to control how much time you spend on social media
• Having relationship problems because of social media use
• Continuing to use social media even when it causes problems in your life
• Needing to spend more and more time on social media to feel satisfied
• Feeling anxious or restless when you can't access social media
• Using social media to avoid problems or cope with negative emotions
• Losing interest in other activities or neglecting your personal life
• Social media addiction can also cause physical problems like eye strain, headaches, and trouble sleeping.

The American Psychiatric Association notes that children and teenagers are especially vulnerable to social media addiction because their brains are still developing.
 

What the Lawsuits Claim

Instagram

Lawsuits against Instagram claim that Meta designed its apps to take advantage of children's natural tendencies, such as their need for approval from others and their attraction to exciting experiences.

One lawsuit states that the company began targeting young children as early as 2006, seeing their vulnerability to addiction as a way to make more money.

Features like the "Like" button, endless content feeds, "Reels," and "Stories" were allegedly created to keep young users hooked, despite the risks to their mental health.

Facebook

In 2023, 42 state attorneys general sued Meta, claiming the company knew its platforms were harming young people but made them more addictive anyway through features like infinite scrolling and constant notifications.

The lawsuit also claims Meta knew children under 13 were using its platforms and targeted them, even while publicly saying children weren't allowed.

Snapchat

In 2025, Florida's attorney general filed a lawsuit claiming Snapchat deceived parents about how dangerous and addictive the platform is.

The lawsuit points to features like infinite scrolling, push notifications, SnapStreaks, and auto-play videos as examples of addictive design.

TikTok

Minnesota's attorney general filed a lawsuit in 2025, claiming TikTok has put profits ahead of user well-being by using addictive design features.

Research cited in the lawsuit shows that heavy use of TikTok and similar platforms can double the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

YouTube

Arkansas' attorney general filed a lawsuit against Google in 2024, claiming YouTube was designed to exploit and addict young users.

Most teenagers between 13 and 17 report using YouTube daily, and Google has allegedly profited greatly by keeping users engaged, regardless of the impact on their mental health.
 

How a Lawsuit Could Help

If you win a social media addiction lawsuit, you may be able to recover money for:
 

• Medical treatment costs (including therapy and medication)
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Other related expenses

 

What to Do Next

If you or a family member:
 

1. Is 25 years old or younger
2. Used social media for at least three hours a day as a minor
3. Developed a mental health problem that required treatment

You may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

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