social media addiction lawsuit Updates
Ohio Family Sues Social Media’s Companies Over Teen's Mental Health
A Kettering, Ohio, family has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc., Instagram, LLC, and Snap Inc., alleging that their 16-year-old child, B.W., developed serious mental health issues due to Instagram and Snapchat use from 2018 to 2025. The complaint claims B.W. suffered from compulsive social media use, depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Allegations include strict liability for design defects, negligence in product design and warnings, and negligent concealment. The family also accuses Meta of violating Ohio’s consumer protection laws and seeks damages for loss of consortium. Filing as part of the social media MDL, the case underscores concerns about social media’s role in adolescent mental health crises.
Court Upholds Therapist-Patient Privilege in Social Media MDL
Magistrate Judge Peter Kang denied defendants' request to access therapy records in the Social Media MDL, siding with plaintiffs on a key privilege issue. The court rejected an in-camera review of two documents previously clawed back under therapist-patient privilege, ruling they were irrelevant to the litigation’s central claims. Applying Illinois law, Judge Kang found no basis to override the privilege, emphasizing that the records did not relate to allegations of social media addiction or harm. This decision protects plaintiffs’ mental health confidentiality and shields survivors and families from intrusive, unrelated discovery tactics during litigation.
Court Shields Victims’ Therapy Records in Social Media MDL
Magistrate Judge Peter Kang ruled in favor of plaintiffs, denying defendants’ request to access privileged therapy records in the Social Media Addiction MDL. The dispute centered on two documents initially produced but later retracted under therapist-patient privilege. Defendants sought an in-camera review, arguing the records could be pivotal to their defense, but the court rejected this motion. Applying Illinois law, Judge Kang found no legal justification to breach confidentiality, ruling the documents irrelevant to core claims and failing to meet the “fundamental fairness” exception. The decision safeguards victims’ mental health privacy, ensuring litigation doesn’t force undue exposure of sensitive therapy sessions. This reinforces protections for survivors and families, allowing them to seek justice without compromising personal confidentiality.
Meta-GO-Biz Agreement on Document Disclosure Raises Transparency Concerns
Meta and California’s Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) submitted a stipulation outlining terms for limited document production concerning tax credits and grants awarded to social media companies, including Snap. The stipulation reveals close coordination between Meta and GO-Biz, with confidentiality measures and redactions shaping what is disclosed. Although Meta contests GO-Biz’s legal stance on disclosure limits, both appear aligned in controlling the release of sensitive information. This cooperation may weaken the state’s credibility in public enforcement actions, but for individual plaintiffs, it reinforces claims that both corporate and government entities failed to protect young users.
About The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit
Nowadays, everyone participates in social media to one degree or another. However, the question of how much is too much has been raised. When does the impact cause severe psychological and physical conditions due to overuse? The core issue of the social media addiction class action lawsuit centers on the potential dangers that may occur from prolonged social media use. It especially focuses on how social media negatively harms young individuals.
Certain studies and reports have shown that excessive screen time can lead to mental health disorders and other serious problems. This is especially true for those younger than 24 who spend an excessive amount of time on social media platforms and show signs of psychological and physical harm.
Many people are unaware of the risks of excessive social media use and continue to suffer in silence. However, legal options are now available for those struggling to cope with social media addiction and its side effects. Individuals can now join the lawsuit and seek potential compensation for the harm caused by social media addiction.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious health issues related to social media use, you must understand your rights. You may be able to participate in a social media addiction lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.
Who Qualifies for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?
While a lawyer will need to evaluate your case and see if you may qualify, individuals seeking to participate in a social media addiction lawsuits typically meet the following criteria:
- You have used social media more than three hours per day.
- Proof of extensive social media use before the age of 24.
- Provide proof of treatment of conditions and injuries associated with social media use.
In addition, one or more of the following psychological or physical conditions have been asserted in these suits:
- Eating Disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression Disorders
- Suicidal tendencies or suicide attempts
If these factors apply to you, you may be entitled to compensation. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility.
Which Companies Are Involved in Social Media Addiction Lawsuits?
Several social media companies have been implicated in the social media addiction lawsuit. Currently, major platforms face allegations that their algorithms and features contribute to addictive behaviors and serious health conditions. These lawsuits claim that the companies behind these platforms failed to warn users about the potential health risks of excessive social media use, particularly for young users.
As more evidence emerges linking prolonged social media use to severe psychological and physical harm, the number of cases against these companies will likely increase.
If you or a loved one have experienced adverse health effects due to social media addiction, you may qualify to join the class action lawsuit.
How Much Compensation Should You Expect?
Determining a typical settlement amount in a social media addiction lawsuit is challenging because many things can impact the case. Factors such as the severity of the condition, the strength of the evidence, jury decisions, and the lawyers' skill all influence the settlement amount.
As of now, the social media addiction lawsuits are in the early stages, and no global settlements or jury trials have occurred. However, based on other litigation involving similar cases, a lawyer can provide you with potential settlement amounts based on the type and extent of harm suffered by the plaintiffs.
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