Is Meta's App Design Making Kids Addicted? Massachusetts Court Weighs In

Massachusetts' lawsuit against Meta alleges that the company intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to young users, impacting hundreds of thousands of teenagers in the state. The case, led by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, claims that Meta's features, such as constant notifications and the infinite scroll, were developed with profit motives in mind, despite evidence of their harmful effects. Meta counters that the lawsuit infringes on its First Amendment rights and maintains a commitment to supporting young users.

Last updated: 08 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently heard oral arguments in a significant lawsuit filed by the state's Attorney General. The case focuses on the assertion that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, designed features that intentionally foster addiction among teenage users. This lawsuit is part of a broader trend, as multiple states have initiated legal actions against Meta regarding its practices and the impact on child safety and mental health.

Key takeaways

• The lawsuit claims Meta created addictive features to profit from young users.
• Meta argues that the lawsuit violates its First Amendment rights.
• Massachusetts is one of several states taking legal action against Meta.

Timeline: how we got here

The legal battles surrounding Meta's practices have evolved over recent years:

• 2023: A coalition of 33 states files a joint lawsuit against Meta for allegedly collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent.
• 2024: Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell files a lawsuit against Meta, focusing on the design of addictive features affecting teenagers.
• October 2023: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments regarding the case.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The oral arguments presented in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court highlight the ongoing legal scrutiny of Meta's practices. The state's solicitor emphasised that the lawsuit focuses on tools developed by Meta, which allegedly encourage addictive behaviours rather than the company's algorithms or content moderation failures.

What was already established

Previous lawsuits against Meta have documented concerns about its practices, particularly regarding the safety and mental health of younger users. Reports from whistleblowers and non-profits have indicated that Meta has not adequately addressed these issues, despite claims of commitment to user safety.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the Massachusetts lawsuit primarily affects US residents, it raises important questions for UK consumers regarding the safety of social media platforms. As concerns over mental health and the impact of social media on young users grow, UK parents may be prompted to reassess their children's usage of platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Businesses and jobs

The outcomes of such lawsuits may influence how tech companies operate, potentially leading to stricter regulations internationally. This could have repercussions for businesses in the tech sector, particularly those focused on social media, as they may need to invest more in user safety and compliance measures.

Policy and regulation

In the UK, regulators may take cues from developments in the US. As legal pressure increases on Meta and similar companies, UK policymakers could consider implementing stricter guidelines to enhance child safety on digital platforms. This could involve revising existing laws or creating new regulations aimed at protecting younger users.

Numbers that matter

• 33 states: The number of US states involved in a joint lawsuit against Meta in 2023.
• Hundreds of thousands: Estimated number of teenagers in Massachusetts impacted by the alleged addictive features of Meta's platforms.
• 1: The number of lawsuits filed by Massachusetts against Meta focused on addiction claims.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Meta: The parent company of Facebook and Instagram, focused on social media and digital communication.
• Addictive features: Design elements of a platform that encourage prolonged use, such as constant notifications and infinite scrolling.
• First Amendment: The constitutional amendment that protects freedom of speech in the United States.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Massachusetts court deliberates, further details may emerge regarding the legal arguments on both sides. Observers should monitor the court's decisions and any implications for similar cases in the future.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Pending the outcome of the Massachusetts case, other states may follow suit or adjust their legal strategies based on the court's ruling. This could lead to an increase in lawsuits against Meta or similar companies regarding their practices.

Signals to watch

• Outcomes of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision.
• Potential new lawsuits from other states regarding Meta's practices.
• Responses from Meta and regulatory changes in the UK and US related to social media safety.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about legal developments related to social media platforms.
• Encourage open discussions with children about their social media usage.
• Monitor the features and settings available on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Don’t

• Ignore signs of potential addiction or excessive use of social media by children.
• Assume that all safety features provided by platforms are sufficient without further investigation.
• Overlook the importance of parental control tools available on social media platforms.

Checklist

• Review social media usage patterns in your household.
• Discuss the risks associated with social media with your children.
• Utilise available parental controls on social media platforms.
• Stay updated on changes in laws affecting social media safety.
• Engage with community resources focused on digital literacy and safety.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the legal proceedings unfold, there are several uncertainties surrounding the outcome of the Massachusetts case. The effectiveness of the arguments presented by both sides remains to be seen, particularly regarding the First Amendment implications. Additionally, the broader implications for Meta and the social media landscape could hinge on this case's outcome, which might lead to a shift in how tech companies design features aimed at younger users.

Bottom line

The Massachusetts lawsuit against Meta reflects growing concerns over the impact of social media on youth. As legal scrutiny intensifies, both consumers and policymakers in the UK may need to reassess their engagement with these platforms and advocate for stronger protections for young users.

FAQs

What are the main allegations against Meta in the lawsuit?

The lawsuit alleges that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram features to be addictive, impacting the mental health and wellbeing of young users in Massachusetts.

How does this lawsuit affect users in the UK?

While the lawsuit is based in Massachusetts, it raises important questions for UK users regarding the safety of social media platforms, prompting parents to be more vigilant about their children's online activity.

What could be the implications for Meta if they lose the case?

A potential loss could lead to increased regulation and scrutiny of Meta's practices, impacting how they design their platforms and handle user data, particularly for younger users.