Dangers of Social Media for Youth

The dangers of social media for youth can look different from one child to another. While not every young person experiences these problems, research has linked social media use to several possible harms. This is especially true among children and teens who spend significant time on social media platforms.

Some of the most common concerns include:

• Cyberbullying and online harassment
• Eating disorders and negative body image
• Excessive or compulsive social media use
• Mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression
• Self-harm
• Sleep disruption
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

These concerns have become part of ongoing litigation. Some families have filed lawsuits alleging social media companies knowingly created an addictive platform design that contributed to harm among young users.

While every child’s experience is different, researchers and public health authorities have recognized several common dangerous effects of social media. Research into these issues has grown as social media use rises.

Mental health concerns

Research has linked social media use with higher rates of ADHD, anxiety, depression and loneliness among some children and teens. Experts believe factors such as social comparison, harmful content and spending too much time online may play a role and can impact a young person’s self-esteem. 

The U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association have both identified youth mental health as an important concern related to social media use.

Cyberbullying and online harassment

Cyberbullying can happen at any time through social media, messaging apps and other online platforms. Harassment, threats and the sharing of embarrassing content can cause emotional harm and may follow young people wherever they go online. 

The Surgeon General has identified cyberbullying as one of the major concerns associated with youth social media use.

Eating disorders and body image concerns

Many social media platforms focus heavily on photos and videos. Constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards may contribute to negative body image or unhealthy body comparisons for some children and teens.

The American Psychological Association recommends limiting young people’s exposure to content that encourages unhealthy body comparisons or disordered eating behaviors.

Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

Researchers have raised concerns about young people’s exposure to self-harm content, suicide-related material and online communities that may encourage dangerous behaviors. Public health experts continue to study how this type of content may affect children and adolescents.

The Surgeon General has identified harmful online content as one reason additional safeguards may be needed for young social media users.

Sleep disruption and excessive social media use

Using social media late at night, responding to constant notifications and having trouble disconnecting from online platforms can interfere with healthy sleep habits. Poor sleep may affect mood, concentration and school performance.

The American Psychological Association encourages healthy limits on social media use when it begins affecting sleep, school or everyday life.

Growing concerns about the negative impact of social media on youth have led families and other groups across the country to file lawsuits against several major social media companies. The lawsuits focus on how social media apps have an addictive platform design and are marketed to young users.

Lawsuits allege that social media companies:

• Designed platforms to encourage children and teens to spend more time online
• Used recommendation algorithms that continued showing harmful content to young users
• Failed to adequately warn families about known risks
• Did not take reasonable steps to better protect children and teens from foreseeable harms

Litigation remains ongoing and is currently centralized in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) docket, In re: Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3047.

The social media companies and parent corporations named in the MDL are:

• Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook and Instagram)
• Alphabet Inc. (Google and YouTube)
• ByteDance Ltd. (TikTok)
• Snap Inc. (Snapchat)

Motley Rice attorneys hold leadership positions in the MDL.

Not every family impacted by social media has a case that can go to court. For children under the age of majority in their state, parents or legal guardians have to step in and file the lawsuit on their behalf. Those over the age of majority have to bring suit themselves.

Those who think they could be eligible to file a lawsuit should consult with a lawyer, who can help them understand:

• Whether a child or teen's situation may qualify for a social media lawsuit
• Whether a parent or legal guardian may be able to bring a claim on the child's behalf
• What medical records or other documentation may be helpful
• How the legal process works
• Whether filing deadlines or other legal requirements may apply

Speaking with a lawyer does not mean a family must file a lawsuit. It simply gives families an opportunity to ask questions, understand their legal rights and determine whether pursuing a claim may be appropriate.

For decades, Motley Rice has represented individuals and families in complex litigation involving corporate misconduct and consumer safety. Our attorneys are pursuing claims involving social media platforms on behalf of families and school districts that allege these companies failed to adequately protect young users from known risks.

Read more about our social media harm litigation.