“New Hampshire takes a stand against tech giants as they sue Facebook and Instagram, shedding light on the alarming issue of children being hooked on addictive apps.”
The state of New Hampshire has filed a lawsuit against Facebook and its subsidiary, Instagram, claiming that the social media platforms have deliberately designed addictive features to hook children on their apps. The lawsuit alleges that Facebook and Instagram have violated consumer protection laws by using manipulative tactics to keep users, particularly children, engaged for longer periods of time.
According to the lawsuit, Facebook and Instagram have employed psychological techniques such as variable rewards, notifications, and autoplay features to exploit the vulnerabilities of young users and keep them hooked on their platforms. The state argues that these tactics have resulted in negative impacts on the mental health and well-being of children, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
The lawsuit also highlights the alleged failure of Facebook and Instagram to effectively address cyberbullying and other harmful content on their platforms. New Hampshire claims that the companies have not done enough to protect young users from these dangers, despite being aware of the negative consequences.
The state is seeking various remedies, including financial restitution for affected individuals, funding for public education campaigns about the risks of social media, and changes to the design and operation of Facebook and Instagram to make them safer for children.
This lawsuit comes amidst growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of young users. Several studies have linked excessive social media usage to negative psychological effects, and lawmakers and advocacy groups have called for increased regulation to protect children from potential harm.
Facebook and Instagram have not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit filed by New Hampshire. However, both companies have previously defended their platforms, stating that they have taken steps to address the concerns raised and provide users with more control over their digital experiences.