Facebook is notoriously savvy at keeping users glued to their screens, but this addiction comes at a cost. While their digital techniques maximize time spent and data collected, some argue this level of manipulation borders on negligence.
Now, amid growing concerns over privacy, political influence, and mental health impacts, individuals are beginning to push back through the legal system.
In a developing trend dubbed “The Facebook Lawsuit Wave,” plaintiffs across America are taking action, seeking accountability and compensation from Big Tech’s most powerful social platform. Their claims point to deep issues simmering beneath the surface of our digitally driven lives. They mark a turning point in the relationship between users and ubiquitous tech giants like Facebook.
The Negative Aspects of Platforms like Facebook
Feelings of Inadequacy and Insecurity
Even though we are aware that social media posts only show curated highlights, viewing others’ pictures and updates can still trigger feelings of envy, dissatisfaction, and insecurity.
When scrolling through a friend’s photoshopped beach vacation photos or job promotion announcements, it’s natural to compare your life unfavorably. The manipulation of reality presented on platforms like Facebook can negatively impact self-esteem.
Fear of Missing Out and Addiction
The fear of missing out, or FOMO, has long predated social media, but constant connectivity seems to exacerbate it.
When experiencing FOMO, people compulsively check their profiles for updates, fueling further engagement in unhealthy cycles that resemble addiction. This constant drive to respond to every notification in real-time can displace sleep, strain relationships, and endanger safety if done while driving.
Psychologists first coined FOMO in the early 2000s to describe the phenomenon associated with rising social media use.
Natalie Christine Dattilo, founder of Priority Wellness Group and instructor of psychology at Harvard, suggests that FOMO encompasses the perception of missing out, leading to anxiety. This is along with compulsive behaviors such as frequent checking and refreshing to maintain connections. She notes it stems from deeper fears of social exclusion that predate online platforms.
As our digital lives expanded, so has our understanding of FOMO as a very real driver of problematic social media engagement. The constant opportunity to compare experiences amplifies those fears.
Increased Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness
Research from the University of Pennsylvania found that high social media engagement actually correlates to higher loneliness rather than connection. In contrast, reducing usage leads to improved well-being and less isolation through prioritizing face-to-face interactions.
Risk of Depression and Anxiety
Meaningful human contact through eye contact and quality time helps reduce stress and boost mood. Over-relying on social media for social interaction versus real-life relationships may increase vulnerability to mood disorders.
Cyberbullying
A concerning percentage of adolescents report being harassed online, and many users face offensive comments. Social media platforms open the door to rumor spreading, lies, and long-term emotional abuse.
Self-Absorption
Chronic social media self-promotion and oversharing personal information can cultivate an unhealthy self-focus, distancing people from a genuine community.
What Are the Allegations Against Facebook?
According to TorHoerman Law, several theories have been proposed in lawsuits against Meta regarding how they designed their platforms and responded to user mental health issues.
One area of focus is the allegation that Meta deliberately optimized platforms like Facebook and Instagram to be addictive and encourage excessive usage.
Internal documents leaked by a former employee provided insights into Meta’s research on the potential mental health impacts of its platforms on young users. In 2019, studies found links between heavy use of Facebook/Instagram and increased rates of depression, body image issues, and other concerns for teens.
However, Facebook lawsuit cases claim that despite being aware of these findings, Meta continued developing algorithms that prioritized engagement over user well-being. It’s alleged the company chose profit over user protection by not implementing safeguards.
The mental health effects of social media cited in lawsuits include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders. The leaked documents purportedly show Meta had information on these connections but did not take adequate steps to mitigate risks.
One document from 2017 provided data on cyberbullying occurring across several Meta platforms. It’s claimed this revealed growing problems targeting teenage girls through harassment, yet the company failed to monitor or curb such abusive activities on its sites.
Teens Are More Susceptible to Harm
Research has shown that teenagers are more vulnerable to the potential negative impacts of social media. Attorney General Rob Bonta has claimed that Meta has knowingly exploited vulnerabilities in child development to cultivate addiction and improve their corporate bottom line.
Social media use among teens is extremely common. However, companies ban those under 13 due to privacy laws. According to legal complaints, Meta intentionally violated these laws by collecting data from underage users without properly obtaining parental consent.
Platforms have tried implementing measures to curb excessive usage, but these can often be easily bypassed. For example, while TikTok sets a default 60-minute daily limit for those under 18, users only need to enter a passcode to extend their time indefinitely.
A recent study suggested certain adolescents may be at higher risk of mental health issues like elevated depressive symptoms when using popular apps more frequently. The research implies individual risk factors and specific platforms should be considered.
Overall, the developing teenage brain appears more susceptible to potential harm from extensive social media engagement.
FAQs
Who Receives Compensation in the Facebook Settlement?
A: Users of Facebook who held accounts for the longest duration within the specified eligibility period are eligible for the highest compensation. Even if you deactivated or deleted your account during the settlement period, you’re still entitled to receive funds, albeit in a reduced amount compared to those who maintained their accounts throughout.
Is it Possible to Take Legal Action Against Facebook for Emotional Distress?
A: If you or someone close to you has experienced mental health problems as a result of using social media, you might be considering legal action against platforms like Facebook for emotional distress. Yes, it is possible to sue Facebook for emotional distress.
What Impact Does Social Media Have on Your Brain?
A: Studies indicate that social media engagement divides our attention. While it might not appear significant initially, this frequently hampers our capability to maintain focus and concentration on tasks. This persistent disruption of attention can eventually result in feelings of overwhelm and stress.
As the wave of lawsuits against Facebook unfolds, it prompts a crucial question: What motivates individuals to pursue legal action against the social media giant? It’s clear that concerns over privacy breaches, political influence, and the toll on mental health are driving people to seek accountability through the legal system.
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