Social media companies are being sued for harming their users' mental health but are the platforms addictive?

"Providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work"

"The allegations in these complaints are simply not true, a Google spokesperson said."

"We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people, a Meta spokesperson said."

Lawsuits allege Meta, YouTube, Snap and TikTok severely harmed children’s mental health through platform use, linking use or addiction to depression, eating disorders, self‑harm, attempted suicide and at least one death by suicide. Snap and TikTok settled the first case brought by KGM; Meta and YouTube face forthcoming trials, with Meta’s trial delayed after a senior attorney became ill. Plaintiffs portray addiction as a precursor to other severe harms rather than their sole claim. Defendants deny the allegations and emphasize youth‑safety commitments. Experts say proving social media as medically addictive is difficult and research is shifting toward problematic use or use disorders.

Read at www.theguardian.com