– Updated on February 27, 2025
You can sue for social media addiction by filing a complaint with the court in the appropriate jurisdiction. If there is an existing class action or multidistrict litigation (MDL) lawsuit, you may be able to join if you meet specific criteria.
Suing for social media addiction can be a challenge, especially when you are coping with related losses. In addition to filing a lawsuit, you must be able to recognize what an addiction to social media is, show how it causes mental health issues, and establish social media company liability. A social media addiction attorney can help you understand the legal requirements, gather evidence, and file legal documents to support your case.
Recognize the Signs of Social Media Addiction and Related Mental Illness
Addiction to social media platforms is a relatively new phenomenon, so psychologists are still studying the causes and effects. Medical experts draw comparisons to gambling addiction, as social media addiction causes the same compulsive behaviors. Watch for these signs of social media app addiction:
- Compulsively checking social media
- Being unable to stop or control social media use
- Anxiety and withdrawal when not using social media
- Increasing time spent on social media to get the same amount of pleasure
- Using social media to avoid real-life situations and emotions
- Negative impacts on work or study activities due to social media use
Social media has been linked to mental health issues, particularly in young people. Users who become addicted to social media may suffer serious mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia, which can lead to or coincide with eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of mental illness due to social media exposure, you could have grounds to sue social media giants for addiction.
Hire a Social Media Addiction Lawyer With Experience Handling Mental Health Claims
One of your first steps when suing for social media addiction should be hiring an attorney who handles claims like yours. Claims against giant tech companies and their social media platforms can be highly complex, and a misstep can keep you from recovering a settlement you may be entitled to. Hiring an attorney can help you meet crucial legal requirements so you don’t lose your chance to recover compensation.
A personal injury attorney focusing on social media and mass tort claims can provide critical guidance and representation throughout your claim. They know how to gather essential evidence, including social media addiction research, medical records, and expert opinions. In addition, a social media addiction lawyer can represent your interests in legal correspondence, settlement negotiations, and trial proceedings.
Establish Whether You Have Grounds to Sue for Social Media Addiction
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against social media companies for mental health issues due to social media addiction. Social media platforms facing legal action for addiction include TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook.
As of 2023, most federal lawsuits against social media companies have been consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3047) in the Northern District of California.
To prove you have grounds to file or join a social media addiction lawsuit, you must show that:
- The victim used Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat for several hours each day as a child, adolescent, or teenager.
- The victim experienced body dysmorphia/body dysmorphic disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, or another mental health issue caused by social media use.
Concerns about social media use and its effects on youth mental health have become more prevalent as social media company documents and medical studies come to light. Published research, whistleblower testimony, and company documents can be used to support your social media addiction case.
Provide Evidence of Mental Health Conditions Caused by Social Media Addiction
To file a lawsuit against a social media company, you must have evidence to show that you or your loved one suffered from mental health issues due to using social media platforms. You may use medical records, therapist notes, and medical expert testimony to prove the medical symptoms and diagnosis.
Recent studies show that social media addiction leads to serious mental health issues, particularly in children, adolescents, and teenagers. Teens who use social media have stated that they are experiencing body image issues and low self-worth, according to the Digital Wellness Lab. This can lead to more severe problems, including body dysmorphia, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Show That Young People Are Susceptible to Social Media-Related Mental Health Issues
One of the most complicated aspects of filing a social media addiction claim is proving the direct link between social media use and mental health issues. Published medical studies, surveys of young people, and advisories from the U.S. Surgeon General provide critical context to prove social media addiction caused your mental health problems.
If you or a loved one experienced severe mental health problems after using social media for several hours per day during childhood, adolescence, or teen years, you could file a social media lawsuit.
Prove That the Social Media Company Is Liable for Youth Social Media Addiction
To file a social media addiction lawsuit, you must be able to show that the social media company’s failure to regulate, warn, or otherwise mitigate potential injuries led to your mental health condition. Evidence may include social media company documents, witness testimony, and research studies about the mental health effects of social media.
Children between 10 and 19 are still undergoing significant brain development. This makes them more susceptible to social media addiction, as they are emotionally sensitive to peer pressure and media exposure.
Lawsuits allege that tech companies were aware of this tendency and exploited it to cause young users to become addicted to their social media platforms. Complaints indicate that Meta Platforms, Inc., Snap Inc., ByteDance, and the owners of other social media platforms specifically identified children as a core market. They designed programs to attract young people and encourage addictive behaviors.
Compile Evidence to Prove Your Losses Due to Social Media Addiction
When studies made them aware of the mental health risks associated with their platforms, the social media companies failed to warn or make any changes to the apps. Failing to address these risks could make Meta Platforms, Inc. and other social media providers liable for social media addiction and associated mental health issues.
Losses you could claim in a social media lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. or another tech company include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. You may prove these losses using medical records, therapy notes, medical expert testimony, and financial statements.
Contact a Social Media Addiction Attorney to Discuss Your Legal Options
Filing a social media addiction lawsuit requires significant knowledge, time, and resources. A social media addiction attorney can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process.
Contact The Goldwater Law Firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We will examine the facts of your claim and help you move forward. One of our law firm partners can help you hold Meta Platforms, Inc., Snap, Inc., or ByteDance liable for your addiction.
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