{"id":2624,"date":"2023-12-08T02:59:38","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T02:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawsuitlegit.com\/?p=2624"},"modified":"2023-12-25T04:12:31","modified_gmt":"2023-12-25T04:12:31","slug":"social-media-use-linked-to-youth-self-harm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawsuitlegit.com\/social-media-use-linked-to-youth-self-harm\/","title":{"rendered":"Lawsuit Against Facebook, Instagram & Social Media Websites Allege Use Linked to Youth Self Harm (August 2023 Update)"},"content":{"rendered":"

December 2023 Facebook, Instagram & Social Media Harm Lawsuits Update:
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As the social media addiction multi-district litigation (MDL) progresses, there are two notable developments in the timeline. The first was the passing of the initial deadline for filing the motion to dismiss in June, which went by without any filings. The second is an upcoming deadline on August 15, 2003, specifically pertaining to the Motion to Dismiss on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and the First Amendment.<\/p>\n

Section 230 has emerged as an essential legal aspect of this case, as it grants immunity to internet-based companies such as Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat from being held liable for third-party content. This provision has been utilized in various legal scenarios, including negligence cases, establishing a precedent that may influence the ongoing litigation.<\/p>\n

The anticipation surrounding the defense strategy is high, with many legal experts speculating that Section 230 will play a central role. The statute's previous applications in similar cases suggest that it could be cited as part of the defense's approach, adding an additional layer of complexity to the proceedings.<\/p>\n


\nAs popular social media platforms grow in audience, so do the statistics of children and teens committing acts of self-harm and suicide from social media affecting their mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social media offers a wealth of information, with suicide and other acts of self-harm among trending searches. In a study analyzing those in their teens or young adults, <\/span>59% reported being exposed<\/span><\/a> to suicide or self-harm content through the internet and social media sources.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the number of children and teens being exposed to self-harm or suicidal ideation increases, so does the importance of holding social media platforms allowing this content to be held accountable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social Media Suicidal and Self-Harm Content<\/b><\/p>\n

With the creation of YouTube in 2005 for long-form content came a trickle of short-form content on apps like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and more. Among these picture and video-sharing apps comes the overwhelming amount of opinions being shared in regard to being for or against self-harm and suicide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While there is a large amount of content for educational or self-help purposes regarding the topics, it is a major concern that content concerning self-harm and suicide is <\/span>reinforcing these behaviors<\/span><\/a> in to those that are susceptible to it: primarily children and teens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Within these different social media platforms comes the formation of different communities within them. Pro-anorexia, pro-cutting, pro-suicide, and more self-harm groups all to have been found to support, encourage, and give tips on how to further progress their mental illness or ideations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Self-generated content speaking of one\u2019s own encounters and thoughts with self-harm or suicide has been seen by some as a way to normalize and encourage others to talk about how they feel, but it\u2019s <\/span>also conversely a trigger<\/span><\/a> to those who are naive to such topics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social Media and the Decline of Mental Health<\/b><\/p>\n

A 2019 study<\/span><\/a> found that as the usage of social media rises with adolescent girls, so do the suicide rates for this age group and gender.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The adolescent group as a whole is rising in social media usage and suicide rates as well compared to their older generation counterparts. The endless and continuous stream of new content and information generated daily on a number of topics has led to adolescents becoming more susceptible to: self-comparison, self-harm, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more. With one scroll, tap, click, or like, the mental health of those in this adolescent age group is on the decline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pandemic also has led to more adolescents creating a more substantial online presence in order to connect with their peers, for their education, and for entertainment. While some social media spaces were a safe haven for those struggling with their mental health, other spaces of social media only exacerbated the problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With more of an online presence on any social media platform to connect with others comes the risk of social isolation. The ability to converse with others online at your own convenience and with your option of anonymity presents an <\/span>increased exposure of adolescents to harm, bullying, and depressive symptoms<\/span><\/a>. These isolating and depressive tendencies stemming from the use of multiple social media platforms is the direct gateway into a dramatic decline in one\u2019s mental health - especially those of the adolescent age group.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Effects of Cyber-bullying\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Social media has also become a new outlet for a new form of bullying and harassment. Most prevalent among adolescents, especially female adolescents, cyber-bullying and cybervictimization has lead to <\/span>suicidal ideations, attempts, and plans<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a study conducted over a five-year period, <\/span>46.3% of adolescents<\/span><\/a> were found to be involved in cyberbullying preparation, <\/span>while 57.5%<\/span><\/a> were the targets of cyberbullying victimization. The immediate contact one can have with another on social media with their choice of hiding behind a screen led to an uptick in violence online being presented verbally. Not only can one remain completely anonymous if they choose to do so on social media, but there are also no boundaries geographically, which raises the number of people who could be victimized.<\/span><\/p>\n

The delicate time of one\u2019s growth during their adolescent years also comes with the comfortability of risk taking without knowing exact consequences. This high sense of risk taking has also led to new forms of cyberbullying such as cyberstalking and online dating abuse. In a psychological sense, cyberbullying has been shown to have more damage on one\u2019s mental state than traditional in-person bullying. Greater levels of <\/span>depression, anxiety, and loneliness<\/span><\/a> were reported for victims of any form of cyberbullying.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Indicators of Self-Harm or Suicidal Ideation<\/b><\/p>\n

The higher level of physiological pain that cyberbullying and social media use has on a child can lead to harm in the form of self-harm or suicidal ideation. The National Institute of Mental Health declares the following as behavioral and mental warning signs to look out for regarding those planning to commit suicide:<\/span><\/p>\n