Can I sue Snapchat?

Can you sue Snapchat for mental health harms? Yes, you may be eligible to sue Snapchat if you suffered harm from the platform’s design and features. Common harms claimed in lawsuits against Snapchat and its parent company, Snap, Inc. include anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation.

People who may be able to sue Snapchat include:

1. Minor children experiencing mental health issues and their families
2. People now over the age of 18 who were harmed when they were minors
3. School districts experiencing a rise in costs because of a “social media mental health crisis”

People are suing Snapchat because children are having mental health issues at much higher rates than usual. Experts believe the design of social media platforms, including Snapchat, fosters problematic use patterns that encourage issues like depression, self-harm and even suicidal ideation and actions.

Many parents consider suing Snapchat after seeing these severe emotional or behavioral changes in their children. Allegations focus on unsafe design, continuous compulsive use, image filters and features such as Snapstreaks that pressure users to stay engaged.

In addition to individuals filing lawsuits, school districts in multiple states have also filed lawsuits. These lawsuits argue that these design choices have made a nationwide mental health crisis among students worse. 

Snapchat poses significant risks, especially for young users. Snapchat has several harmful features, including:

1. Disappearing “Snaps” and “My Eyes Only,” which encourage secrecy and hide potentially dangerous online behavior
2. “Quick Add” encourages Snapchat users to connect with strangers and even reveal their location via the “Snap Map” feature
3. Dozens of filters that can warp young users’ sense of self and body image
4. “Snapscores” and “best friends” lists can promote social comparison and leave less active users feeling left out

Plaintiffs allege that the platform’s features encourage problematic use which can lead to various mental health issues.

These social media lawsuits are proceeding in a social media harm multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3047) in federal court. This legal case is handling claims involving Snapchat and other platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube).

Harms linked to Snapchat use

Research identifies a range of potential mental health harms associated with Snapchat use. These include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, cyberbullying exposure, compulsive use, isolation, self-harm and suicidal ideation.

You may qualify to file a lawsuit against Snapchat if:

1. You are a minor (under 18) or the parent of a minor who:
    a. Uses or used Snapchat frequently
    b. Is experiencing serious mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, self-harm or suicidal ideation,
    c. Has been diagnosed with the above mental health harms by a mental health professional
2. You are an adult (between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the jurisdiction where you live) who experienced items A, B and C above as a minor
3. You are a parent or guardian who lost a child to suicide after they experienced any of the aforementioned harms
4. Or, you represent a school or district experiencing widespread impacts of social media, such as rising behavioral challenges or counseling needs tied to student Snapchat use

To sue Snapchat, begin by speaking with an attorney involved in social media harm litigation. Because many plaintiffs are minors, parents or guardians typically file on their behalf. A legal team will start by reviewing the timeline of Snapchat use, documenting symptoms and gathering evidence such as:

• Screenshots
• Message logs
• School records
• Medical documentation

Lawyers will also evaluate symptom severity, documented mental health diagnoses and the timeline between Snapchat use and the onset of harm.

Can I sue Snapchat for emotional distress?

Yes, you may be able to sue Snap, Inc. for emotional distress. Emotional distress is one potential category of damages within the broader claims being reviewed in the social media MDL. Damages may be awarded if psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression or trauma appear to be connected to Snapchat use.

What evidence do I need to sue Snapchat?

Evidence may include screenshots or message logs, usage data showing compulsive use, medical records, therapy notes or school behavioral reports. Evidence may also include social media timelines that document bullying, harmful interactions or the escalation of mental health symptoms. These materials help attorneys determine whether Snapchat’s features contributed to the harm.

How long do I have to file a Snapchat lawsuit?

Deadlines for filing vary by state and may differ for minors. Many states provide extended timeframes for children harmed by digital platforms, but these rules are not uniform. Speaking with an attorney early helps ensure potential claims are reviewed before any deadline passes.

Motley Rice represents families and communities nationwide in litigation involving dangerous or defective products, including emerging claims tied to social media platforms. Our attorneys have experience with complex multidistrict litigation and product liability, and are actively reviewing claims involving Snapchat-related mental health harms. We are committed to seeking justice for those seeking accountability for negligent platform practices.

If you believe you or your child has been harmed by social media sites like Snapchat, contact us today.

Read more about our experience with social media harm.