Snap Settles Social Media Addiction Lawsuit
Snap, the company behind the popular social media platform Snapchat, has settled a significant lawsuit before it could reach trial. The lawsuit accused Snap of creating features that lead to social media addiction and subsequent mental health issues among users.
Details of the Settlement
The settlement was reported on Tuesday at the California Superior Court in Los Angeles County. The lawsuit was initiated by a 19-year-old referred to as K.G.M. While the specific terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, it is noteworthy that Snap continues to face similar addiction-related lawsuits.
Other Platforms Named in the Lawsuit
Alongside Snap, the lawsuit also names other major players in social media, including:
- Meta
- YouTube
- TikTok
As of now, no settlements have been reached with these companies. Meanwhile, Snap is still a defendant in various ongoing cases involving similar allegations.
Concerns Raised by Employees
Documents from these ongoing cases reveal that Snap employees had expressed concerns about the mental health risks posed to teens as far back as nine years. However, the company contends that these instances are “cherry-picked” and taken out of context.
Comparisons to Big Tobacco
Legal experts and plaintiffs in these cases have drawn parallels to historic lawsuits against cigarette companies in the 1990s. They argue that platforms have similarly concealed information about the potential harms of their products. Key features under scrutiny include:
- Infinite scroll
- Auto video play
- Algorithmic recommendations
These elements are said to contribute to increased user engagement, leading to issues like depression, eating disorders, and self-harm.
Upcoming Trials and Implications
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel was anticipated to testify in what would have been a landmark trial for social media companies. To date, no platform has lost a case regarding addiction at trial. Meanwhile, jury selection is set to begin next Tuesday, January 27, for ongoing cases against Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, where Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is expected to appear as a witness.
If the remaining plaintiffs win their cases, experts predict substantial settlements could emerge, potentially compelling these platforms to redesign their applications. The companies have defended their practices, asserting that their design choices are protected under the First Amendment, likening them to editorial decisions made by newspapers.
Snap has not publicly commented on the current situation following the settlement.
