Philadelphia Social Media Harm Lawyers

Social media platforms are facing harsh criticism and legal action over the adverse mental and physical effects caused by harmful and dangerous content. Despite its potential to foster positive change, social media’s links to misinformation, cyberbullying, and mental and physical health issues are increasingly coming to light.

Bullying, self-comparison, and shaming on social media can cause harmful effects, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. If you or a loved one has suffered social media harm, our Philadelphia social media harm lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. can help you fight back and hold companies accountable for the harmful content promoted on their platforms.

Is Social Media Addictive?

Certain users develop serious addiction problems through compulsive, persistent, and excessive use through the release of the pleasure chemical dopamine. Numerous news reports detail Meta and other social media companies’ widespread use of algorithms designed to tap into addictive centers in the human brain specifically to increase the amount of time users spend on their platforms.

Symptoms of social media addiction include loss of interest in other activities, excessive use during social situations, decreased self-esteem, relationship difficulties, reduced personal interactions, increased mental health conditions, and uncontrolled urges to use social media.

Does Social Media Negatively Affect Mental Health?

Social media can negatively affect the mental health of some users. Children ages 12 to 15 who engage in social media use for three or more hours per day face a significant risk of developing mental health problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Social media uses psychological tactics triggering addictive brain chemicals to make users spend more time on their platforms. Negative mental health problems affected by social media include:

• Increased anxiety and depression, especially in teenagers, by other users’ idealized life portrayals.
• Pervasive, unrealistic, and idealized “perfect” body standards can cause body-image problems and trigger or worsen eating disorders.
• Exposure to harmful content can lead to self-harming behaviors in some users, by negative comparisons or bullying, threats, and intimidation from others.
• Amplified inadequacy, loneliness, and depression have been linked to suicidal ideation and suicide through constant exposure to bullying, threats, and negative self-comparisons to idealized images and lifestyles.

Individuals and families have filed numerous wrongful death, suicide, and mental harm lawsuits against Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, the five most popular social media platforms in the world. In October 2023, 42 states collectively filed suit against Meta over the negative mental health effects of its platforms.

Are Social Media Companies Responsible for Public Harm?

Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Threads, is facing numerous lawsuits and harsh public and Congressional criticism following leaked reports revealing executives knew their platforms’ negative impacts. Charges against social media platforms include:

• Failure to install safeguards and monitoring of harmful and dangerous content.
• Knowingly promoting dangerous and harmful content to minors.
• Failure to warn consumers of harmful mental and physical health risks.
• Creating platforms and algorithms to maximize screen time and promote addictive behaviors.
• Failure to exercise reasonable care when developing, operating, and promoting platforms.

Most lawsuits against Meta allege maximizing profits over consumer protection, resulting in minors and young adults suffering serious mental health or physical injuries.

The Philadelphia Social Media Harm Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Help Individuals and Families Hold Negligent Platforms Accountable

Social media use can trigger addictive behaviors, create adverse mental and physical health problems, and foster bullying and dangerous environments, particularly in younger users. Families and governments are fighting back and holding negligent social media platforms accountable for their actions and business practices. You may be eligible for significant compensation if you or a loved one has suffered harm from social media. Call the experienced Philadelphia social media harm lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. at 267-861-7100 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.