Scroll, double-tap to like, and scroll again.
We’ve all been there: whether you’re putting off that pile of material on your desk or just finding a way to save time on the car ride home from a dance session, scrolling through your Flow may seem like a harmless procrastination tactic or quick fix to boredom.
But these apps could do you *much* more harm than you really think.
On Tuesday, 41 states and Washington DC decided to sue Meta (the company that owns Instagram and Facebook). State officials say the tech company deliberately created social media platforms with addictive features without informing users. The result? Harmful effects on mental health of adolescents and children, according to the lawsuit. Here’s what you need to know…
What exactly are these harmful features?
Do you get alerts every time someone sends you a DM? Or maybe you’re rushing to check who liked your most recent post. These notifications are just one example of how certain Instagram features require your constant attention. According to the lawsuit, the app aims to maximize the user’s screen time and reduce your attention span, while lowering your self-esteem.
When 18-year-old Sam J. started middle school, getting likes on his Instagram posts was a huge deal: “Before Instagram could hide the number of likes, I would be nervous if one of my posts got 300 likes , but only the following one. I got 100,” she explains. These addictive aspects of social media are even compared to cigarettes.
State officials are also concerned that some Instagram filters are linked to an increase in body dysmorphia. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 46% of teens ages 13 to 17 say social media makes them feel worse.
And if that wasn’t already concerning, Meta is also accused of collecting information from children under the age of 13 without asking their consent, a federal violation.
Is Instagram the only platform?
Instagram is just one of several social media platforms that will be investigated. Soon, a California court will consider a series of 200 plaintiffs’ concerns about other potentially dangerous and addictive apps, including Snapchat and TikTok.
Melanie P., 19, says she sometimes feels “stuck” when scrolling through TikTok. “I’ll know I have to get up or have things to do, but I seriously feel like I can’t find a way to do them once I start. [scrolling],” she shares.
What happens next?
Meta responded to the allegations by saying they have resources such as parental controls as well as age and time restrictions to protect younger users. But if the lawsuit is successful, Meta will face revamping the way young users interact with their apps, not to mention hefty fines.
Meanwhile, some states are proposing bills that would limit social media use among young children (in the form of stricter screen limits and algorithm changes) to help reduce the effects on mental health.
Right now, check with yourself if you feel like you’re constantly opening these apps. Balancing your screen for lifespan will help you avoid falling into a cycle of mindless scrolling and prepare you for possible screen time limits later. Try setting a timer for 30 minutes to go outside and take a well-deserved nature walk, or even find time to write down your favorite parts of the day.
What if you have symptoms related to body dysmorphia or other mental health issues? Reach out to a friend, relative, mentor, or doctor for support. You can also call 1-800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640 to get help as soon as possible.
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