Meta halted internal research on the impact of Facebook and Instagram on mental health after discovering evidence that its platforms negatively affected users. The findings from a 2020 project called “Project Mercury” revealed that people who took a break from Facebook for a week reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social comparison. Despite acknowledging the validity of the research internally, Meta decided not to publish the results, attributing the negative outcomes to existing media perceptions.
Allegations against Meta and other tech giants, including Google, TikTok, and Snapchat, were raised in a lawsuit by school districts represented by the law firm Motley Rice. The plaintiffs claim that these companies concealed known risks associated with their products from users, parents, and educators. Specific accusations include encouraging underage children to use their platforms, neglecting to address child sexual abuse content, and attempting to expand social media usage among teenagers in school settings.
While Meta denied the accusations and defended its safety measures for teens, the lawsuit also highlighted internal practices that purportedly prioritized user engagement over safety concerns. Documents referenced in the filing suggested that Meta deliberately designed ineffective safety features for youth, delayed action against child predators, and pushed for increased engagement even if it meant exposing teenagers to harmful content.
Mark Zuckerberg’s alleged remarks regarding child safety and the company’s priorities were also brought into question. Despite Meta’s rebuttals, the lawsuit raises significant concerns about the company’s approach to safeguarding young users and its transparency regarding potential harms associated with its platforms.
A court hearing to address the claims made in the lawsuit is scheduled for January 26 in the Northern California District Court.