Multiple states have joined forces in a groundbreaking lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit alleges that the company’s practices have had a profound and detrimental impact on the psychological and social well-being of a generation of young Americans. This legal action is being applauded by Joe Toscano, a former Google consultant and prominent expert on the negative effects of social media. Toscano, who was featured in the widely acclaimed Netflix documentary “The Social Dilemma,” believes that the lawsuits will lead to significant changes in the way the internet and social media operate, with an impact that will be felt for years to come.
According to the 228-page complaint filed in the U.S. District Court, the business model of Meta specifically targets young users, exploiting their attention and personal data to generate profits. The suit also alleges that the company is fully aware of the harm its platforms cause to young users, yet it continues to promote features that prolong their time on social media for financial gain. Among these harmful features are the recommended algorithm, which encourages compulsive usage, and the use of social comparison tools such as “Likes,” which have been linked to negative impacts on mental health. Additionally, the lawsuit calls out the negative effects of features like infinite scrolling and auto-play videos on young users, which contribute to addiction.
Toscano believes that the outcome of these lawsuits will have a significant impact on society and could lead to a transformation of social media as we know it. He compares the potential outcome to the way that lawsuits against tobacco companies eventually led to a change in societal attitudes towards smoking. He believes that future generations will look back in disbelief at the dangerous and addictive practices allowed on social media platforms, much like the way we view smoking cigarettes now.
While the exact outcome of the lawsuits is still unknown, Toscano insists that significant changes are on the horizon. He believes that features like infinite scrolling and auto-play videos may be eliminated, and new regulations around algorithms and children’s access to smartphones may be established. Additionally, he hopes that this legal action will set a precedent for holding big tech companies accountable for the damage they have caused to society.
Meta, however, is disappointed with the lawsuits and maintains its commitment to providing a safe platform for teenagers. The company has introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families and claims to have been working with other companies in the industry to create age-appropriate standards for apps used by teenagers. A spokesperson for the company expressed disappointment with the approach of the attorneys general, stating that they should have worked together with the industry instead of taking legal action.
Despite Meta’s reaction, Toscano remains optimistic about the potential impact of these lawsuits. He believes that the cases could lead to a fundamental shift in how the internet operates, not just for Facebook and Instagram but for the industry as a whole. Ultimately, Toscano hopes that these lawsuits will not only protect children but also pave the way for a safer and more responsible use of social media by society as a whole.