Meta Lawsuit

What is Meta?

Meta Platforms, Inc. is the parent company of popular social media platforms Instagram and Facebook. It is responsible for designing, updating and maintaining the apps and desktop sites. Billions of people worldwide use these two social media apps daily.

October 2023 platform usage data shows:

• Facebook: 3.03 billion monthly active users worldwide
• Instagram: 2 billion monthly active users worldwide

Meta is now facing lawsuits concerning the effects of social media on young users. These social media lawsuits allege that Meta purposefully designed its two platforms to engage children and failed to adequately warn users of the addictive effects of social media.

What is the lawsuit against Meta?

Meta is involved in several lawsuits about youth mental health and the dangers of social media. Attorneys general, school districts and parents have all filed lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies with these complaints.

• State complaints: Thirty-three states have filed lawsuits against Meta for its role in the youth mental health crisis. These lawsuits allege that Meta knowingly promoted compulsive use of its platforms, especially in children and teens, and misled the public about related dangers. The suits are consolidated in the Northern District of California. Eight other states and the District of Columbia have filed separate lawsuits against Meta with similar claims.
• School district complaints: Some school districts have also brought lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies. One lawsuit, filed by Maryland’s Howard County Public School System, called the platforms “addictive and dangerous.” 
• Individual complaints: People who were harmed as children and parents of children being harmed have also filed lawsuits against Meta. One such Instagram addiction lawsuit was filed by a 21-year-old woman. Her case claims the platform affected her self-esteem and caused her to develop depression and an eating disorder. Other cases like hers are being filed nationwide.

Social media lawyers can explain these cases in more detail. If you or a loved one have suffered from social media use, you may be eligible to pursue legal action. Contact a Meta attorney to find out more about your options.

Contact a Meta lawsuit lawyer

Motley Rice is reviewing allegations that social media company Meta intentionally and deliberately designed its social media apps without regard for the safety of children and teens.

Call 800-768-4026 or complete this form to explore your options. 

Facebook lawsuits

Meta’s most-used platform is Facebook, with more than three billion worldwide users. Studies have found connections between Facebook use and mental health issues like depression and eating disorders.

People who have experienced these issues may be eligible to file a Facebook lawsuit against Meta.

Learn more about Facebook addiction and legal options.

Instagram lawsuits

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Meta for Instagram’s alleged role in a youth mental health crisis. Some suits allege Instagram is to blame for children developing depression, eating disorders and suicidal behavior. People and parents of children harmed by Meta have legal options.

Instagram mental health lawsuits

Numerous studies and users have noted the negative effects of Instagram on mental health. Social media mental health lawsuits highlight these negative impacts and tie them to specific platforms.

Researchers have noted the harmful effects of sites like Instagram, particularly for young people. Filing an Instagram lawsuit may help users receive justice.

Instagram addiction lawsuits

Instagram addiction can lead to many negative outcomes. Some people have filed lawsuits alleging Meta purposefully designed the app to be addictive and ensnare vulnerable users.

Learn more about Instagram addiction lawsuits.

Our experience helping families and children

Motley Rice attorneys have worked for decades to seek justice for children and families affected by toxic and dangerous exposures, including to social media. If you need help filing a lawsuit for Meta’s effects on mental health, our law firm can help.

Help for self-harm and suicidal behavior

If you or a loved one are in crisis, national resources can help immediately.

• You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. This free and confidential call will connect you with a trained staff member. You can also visit their website: 988lifeline.org.
• You can contact the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) toll-free number at 1-800-931-2237. The association’s website can also direct you to resources at NationalEatingDisorders.org.