The claim that Meta makes money by using deceptive features to get kids and teenagers to use social media in an obsessive and addictive manner has been refuted by Meta. For years, advocates, educators, parents, and legislators from all around the world have warned of the detrimental effects on both mental and physical health.
Source: Top Class Actions
Long-term social media use has been linked in studies to eating problems, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. According to Meta, it has launched several technologies to give families and teenagers a safer environment.
The cases point to the platform’s gratifying and addictive features as reasons for keeping young people online with elements that impair their sense of wellbeing and self-worth. Numerous lawsuits have already been filed against Meta, Tik- Tok, and YouTube in the US because of their negative effects on mental health and deceiving the public about the safety of their platforms. This action represents the largest to date.
Source: PBS NewsHour
The resolution of these cases might have an impact on the entire world. The need for new internet safety precautions, such age-appropriate health and safety requirements for apps, is growing. Experts emphasise that a social media ban might not be the best way to ensure internet safety. Digital literacy and privacy should be prioritised instead.
They acknowledge that kids will rebel, therefore parents need to take a non-judgmental stance when it comes to social media use. Have discussions regarding reducing screen time before bed. Promote conversations on FOMO (fear of missing out), the content people are seeing, their reactions to it, and what gives them energy or drains them. Any interaction would be worthwhile.
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