Families Suing Social Media Companies Over Kids' Mental Health

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Recently, families suing social media companies accused them of contributing to their children’s depression, eating disorders, and suicide.
To address these concerns, social media companies can implement algorithmic interventions that prioritize positive and healthy content.

More than 2000 families made headlines for suing social media giants. More than 350 lawsuits are to move forward by 2023 against TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Roblox, and Meta (the parent company to Facebook and Instagram).

Several of these families suing social media companies took to CBS News’ 60 Minutes to voice their reasons for the lawsuits. Nearly all the participants accused the media giants of weak online supervision tools, age controls, and problematic profit-centered algorithms that promote mental health disorders like depression, body dysmorphia, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide in children.

Brandy and Toney Roberts, parents who lost their daughter to social media-induced depression and suicide, remarked on 60 Minutes: “We’ve lost, we’ve learned, but what’s gonna stop these companies from continuing to let things happen if they don’t change or be forced to make a change? Social media is the silent killer for our children’s generation.

That’s the conclusion I’ve come to. Why is everyone in power that can help change this, why is it not changing quick—enough? If our children are truly our future, what’s the wait?”

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social media on mental health. Their still-developing brains are more susceptible to the addictive nature of these platforms and the negative impact of excessive screen time.

Studies show that they are at a greater risk of developing depression and anxiety. Moreover, social media can amplify issues such as cyberbullying, online harassment, eating disorders, the fear of missing out (FOMO), and even self-harm.

Constant exposure to carefully curated images and lifestyles can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy among young users.

Social media algorithms play a pivotal role in shaping users’ experiences on these platforms. Algorithms are designed to maximize engagement and keep users hooked by presenting content that aligns with their interests and preferences.

While this may seem innocuous, the algorithms can create an echo chamber effect, reinforcing existing beliefs and biases. This can lead to increased polarization and a negative impact on mental health. Moreover, algorithms tend to prioritize content that elicits strong emotional responses, often favoring sensational and controversial material.

These platforms utilize targeted advertising, which relies on personal data collected from users. This data-driven approach often results in hyper-targeted content, including advertisements and posts that manipulate users’ vulnerabilities.

This exposure can trigger feelings of anger, fear, or inadequacy among users, exacerbating mental health issues. In some cases, the algorithms expose users to distressing images (like that of suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, excessive skinniness, body shaming, etc.), thereby exacerbating pre-existing mental health symptoms.

For some people, posts manipulated by harmful algorithms can normalize problematic unhealthy behaviors related to anorexia, suicide, substance abuse, etc.

To protect kids’ mental health on social media platforms, companies can take several measures through algorithmic interventions. Firstly, social media companies can develop algorithms that prioritize the promotion of positive and healthy content. By identifying and boosting posts that encourage well-being, self-esteem, and positive interactions, algorithms can create a more uplifting and supportive online environment for young users.

Furthermore, companies can implement algorithmic features that monitor and mitigate cyberbullying and harmful content. This can involve the use of machine learning algorithms to detect and flag instances of bullying or abusive behavior, enabling prompt intervention and appropriate action. By swiftly addressing such issues, social media platforms can foster a safer space for children to engage with.

Another strategy is to provide users, especially young ones, with more control over their content consumption. Algorithms can be designed to prioritize user preferences and allow individuals to personalize their feeds based on their interests and values.

Giving users the ability to curate their social media experience empowers them to create a space that aligns with their mental well-being and helps reduce exposure to potentially triggering or harmful content.

Furthermore, transparency in algorithmic decision-making can play a crucial role in protecting kids’ mental health. Social media companies should provide clear information about how their algorithms work, including the factors influencing content recommendations and the personalization process.

This transparency can help users understand and navigate the platform more consciously, while also holding the company accountable for the impact of their algorithms on mental health.

Lastly, ongoing research and collaboration with mental health experts can contribute to the development of more effective algorithmic solutions.

By partnering with professionals in the field, social media companies can gain valuable insights into the psychological impact of their platforms and work towards implementing evidence-based interventions. Such collaborations can inform algorithmic adjustments that prioritize mental well-being and foster a positive online experience for young users.