Meta Faces Claims Over Youth Addiction to Social Media Platforms

Courthouse News reporter Edvard Pettersson writes that Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) must face a number of claims by school districts that it is liable for children’s alleged addiction to its social media platforms.

US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that although Meta’s liability is somewhat restricted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online platforms from some content-related claims, she will allow schools to pursue claims focused on Meta’s design choices aimed at fostering compulsive use among minors.

School districts across the United States and state attorneys general filed consolidated lawsuits accusing social media companies, including Meta, of designing their platforms to encourage such use.

Plaintiffs argue that Meta’s features deliberately foster addiction, requiring school resources to address students’ resulting mental health and behavioral challenges. They contend that Meta’s business model prioritizes user engagement, especially among youth, while downplaying the platform’s adverse effects despite internal research showing the harm caused by such design practices.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers held that negligence claims against Meta are actionable, allowing the case to proceed on the grounds that the alleged harm falls within state negligence laws. However, she limited the scope of liability, citing Section 230 and the First Amendment as significant constraints.

She ruled that claims related to user-generated content, such as harmful trends and challenges on social media platforms, did not meet the standards of proximate causation required for recovery. She will address public nuisance claims in a future decision.

“We disagree with the court’s decisions on this motion to dismiss and believe the evidence will demonstrate our commitment to supporting young people,” a Meta spokesperson said.