40 US states accuse Meta of harming youth's mental health

Washington: 40 US states have collectively filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

The lawsuit alleges that Meta has played a role in causing various mental health issues, including depression, particularly among the younger generation through its social media platforms.

The legal complaint contends that Meta deliberately downplayed the risks associated with using social media platforms for its financial benefit, and in doing so, exploited young users.

Meta is accused of employing a business model designed to encourage excessive screen time among young people, leading to potential harm to their mental well-being.

The lawsuit highlights the potential negative consequences of youth engagement with Meta's social media platforms, which include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, disruptions in education, and disruptions in daily life.

The legal action stems from Meta's own research, which reportedly indicated that the company was aware of the detrimental effects of Instagram on young users, especially teenage girls.