Consumers and states are bringing lawsuits against social media conglomerate Meta, seeking billions in damages and substantial change to the company’s allegedly addictive technologies. (Naomi Nix, The Washington Post). Meta runs Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other popular technology platforms. (Meta.com). Despite the company’s commitment to “keeping people safe and making a positive impact,” many users and state governments believe Meta leverages addictive methods to encourage teen engagement on Instagram and Facebook. (Meta.com; Jonathan Stempel et al., Reuters). States and individuals are pushing for Meta to take accountability for its addictive algorithms and make changes to protect the mental health of its minor Instagram and Facebook users, which would likely affect company policies and Meta’s stakeholders. (Meta.com; Jonathan Stempel et al., Reuters). This post considers the social media policies giving rise to widespread claims against Meta, as well as the potential effects of such claims.

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