Stanford Psychiatrist: Meta’s Social Media Designed for Addiction in NM Lawsuit
In a significant legal battle, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has brought a suit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims that the design of Meta’s social media platforms intentionally fosters addiction, especially among young users.
Insights from the Expert Witness
Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist from Stanford University, testified as an expert witness in the ongoing case. She argued that features of social media can be compared to addictive substances. “The continued, compulsive use of a substance or behavior despite harm to self or others defines addiction,” Lembke stated.
During her testimony, she highlighted the “infinite scroll” feature of Instagram and tailored algorithms that stimulate dopamine release. This interaction, Lembke remarked, can “drugify human connection.” She warned that the negative impacts of social media addiction include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Self-harm
- Loneliness
- Suicidal ideation
- Cyberbullying
- Sexual exploitation
Children’s Vulnerability
Dr. Lembke emphasized that adolescents are particularly susceptible to these issues due to their ongoing brain development. She highlighted troubling trends, including rage attacks and insomnia among youth, exacerbated by social media use.
According to Lembke, children are often exploited due to inadequate age verification systems on platforms like Instagram. She noted that many kids lie about their age, leading to exposure to harmful content.
Meta’s Internal Awareness
Dr. Lembke revealed that Meta is aware of the potential for addiction, having referred to it internally as “Problematic Internet Use.” This term suggests a deliberate avoidance of the word “addiction” to downplay the seriousness of the issue.
As part of her extensive research, Lembke reviewed thousands of internal documents. She found evidence that indicated the company’s understanding of the addictive nature of its platforms, especially concerning female users facing negative social comparisons through filtered images.
Therapeutic Interventions
Lembke claimed that social media addiction might often go undiagnosed. She emphasized the need for skilled therapists to identify such addictions, as many individuals may not recognize their compulsive behaviors.
Concerns About Child Safety
Compounding these issues, a Meta safety researcher previously warned of nearly 500,000 daily cases of child exploitation on social media. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for reform in how social media platforms operate and safeguard children.
As the lawsuit unfolds, the legal and ethical implications of Meta’s practices continue to be scrutinized. Key figures, including Instagram’s head Adam Mosseri, are expected to testify, potentially shedding more light on this vital issue.
