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    ⚠ This tort is growing rapidly. Earlier filings may achieve higher case values before any global settlement.
    Social Media Addiction Lawsuit
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    Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

    Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat Knew They Were Harming Kids

    Read About This Case

    What Happened?

    Internal documents from Meta (Facebook and Instagram), obtained through whistleblowers and state attorney general investigations, showed that the company's own researchers found Instagram caused body image issues, depression, and suicidal ideation in teenage girls — and that leadership chose engagement over safety. Similar documents emerged from TikTok, Snapchat, and other platforms. The platforms used algorithmic amplification to show users more extreme content, driving vulnerable teenagers deeper into harmful content spirals. Social media companies designed their platforms to be as addictive as possible to maximize engagement — knowing the mental health consequences.

    Who Qualifies?

    A child or teenager (under 18 at significant use) who used Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, or other social media platforms regularly, and has been diagnosed with or treated for depression, anxiety disorder, eating disorder, self-harm behaviors, suicide attempt, PTSD, or body dysmorphic disorder.

    Primary Diagnoses:

    Depression / Anxiety DisorderClinical diagnosis linked to social media use patterns.
    Eating DisorderAnorexia, bulimia, binge eating — often driven by social comparison on platforms.
    Self-Harm / Suicide AttemptHighest-value cases involving direct link to platform content and algorithms.
    Body Dysmorphic DisorderDistorted body image fueled by filtered images and social comparison.

    Litigation Status

    MDL 3047 is consolidated in the Northern District of California. Over 10,000 cases. State attorney general lawsuits from 33+ states running parallel. Bellwether trial selection underway. Meta, TikTok, Snap, and Google/YouTube are all defendants.

    Estimated Compensation

    Estimated trial values: $500,000-$10,000,000+ for severe cases. Cases with suicide attempts or completed suicide, severe eating disorders requiring hospitalization, and strong documentary evidence have the highest values.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can parents sue on behalf of a minor child?
    Yes. Parents or guardians file on behalf of minor children. Adult children (now over 18) who were harmed as minors can also file.
    How do I preserve social media account data as evidence?
    Download your child's data from each platform (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) before deleting accounts. Attorneys can also subpoena platform data.
    Does my child need to currently be in therapy?
    A documented treatment history strengthens the case, but current active therapy is not strictly required if past diagnosis and treatment records exist.
    How do I prove social media caused the harm vs other factors?
    Attorneys work with expert witnesses who analyze the timeline between social media use and symptom onset, platform algorithm data, and psychiatric evaluations.
    Which platforms are being sued?
    Meta (Instagram and Facebook), TikTok (ByteDance), Snap (Snapchat), and Google (YouTube) are the primary defendants.
    Is this a class action?
    No. This is an MDL where each family has their own individual case with their own specific damages.
    What age range qualifies?
    Children and teenagers who used social media heavily before age 18 are the primary plaintiffs.
    What if my child is still using social media?
    Current use does not disqualify the case, though reducing harmful exposure is recommended for the child's wellbeing.

    Think You May Qualify?

    Take a quick eligibility check or request a free review.

    Filing Deadlines Apply

    Statutes of limitations vary by state.

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