Are social media companies deliberately messing with the minds of children? A historic hearing that began on Monday in a Los Angeles court has brought this question before the whole world. Facebook’s parent company Meta and Google’s YouTube are now facing allegations that they designed their platforms in such a way that children become ‘addicted’ to them.
“Instagram is like a drug”
Plaintiff’s lawyer Mark Lanier argued in the court that it is as dangerous as “narcotics” for children’s brains. Citing some internal emails and documents of the companies, he said that Meta employees themselves believed that Instagram was “like a drug” and that they were the ones selling this addiction.
A study named ‘Project Mist’ was also mentioned in the court, in which Meta already knew that children suffering from stress become victims of this addiction easily. At the same time, in Google’s documents, YouTube has been compared to a ‘casino’, where bets are played to keep the users engaged.
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The case of 20 year old girl became a test case
At the center of this case is a 20-year-old girl, who is being identified as ‘KGM’. KGM started running YouTube at the age of just 6 and Instagram at the age of 9. By the time she reached fifth class, she had uploaded 284 videos on YouTube. It is alleged that this addiction pushed him to depression and suicidal thoughts. Lawyers compared tech companies to tobacco companies, which targeted children to make profits.
Companies said- “We are not the only ones responsible”
On the other hand, Meta’s lawyer Paul Schmidt has rejected these claims. He says that no such thing as social media addiction has been completely proven scientifically. Citing KGM’s health records, he said that the reasons behind his mental condition were family fights, school bullying and other personal reasons, and not just mobile apps. Companies argue that they are constantly adding new features for the safety of children.
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Strictness is increasing all over the world
Not only in Los Angeles, but also in New Mexico, Meta is being sued for failing to prevent sexual exploitation of children. More than 40 states of America have opened a front against Meta. Australia has banned these platforms for children under 16 years of age. At the same time, France has made a law to ban social media for children below 15 years of age.
What next?
This trial will continue for the next 6 to 8 weeks, in which testimony from stalwarts like Mark Zuckerberg is also possible. If the court finds the companies guilty, then there may be major changes in the rules related to the functioning of the social media industry and the safety of children.
