States File Lawsuits Against TikTok, Alleging Harm to Youth Mental Health

TikTok has been sued by more than a dozen states as well as the District of Columbia for allegedly harming children’s mental health. Filed by a bipartisan group of 14 state attorneys general including those from New York, California and Oregon, the lawsuits argue that TikTok’s features are designed to be addictive and disproportionately impact children. They claim that structures such as the infinite scroll, scratch-building algorithms and push messages are only to hold users- particularly young audiences –and too much time enrolled in the generation of mental health problems like anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia.

The investigations — brought as lawsuits by a bipartisan group of states — into TikTok’s algorithms and design features date back to some time in 2022. TikTok impairs kids attorneys generals said because they are “naive” and “impulsive,” Childrens among us uncapable of managing the social-media obesity-helped to enable. The use of face filters on the platform, that unrealistic image which is creating greater self-image issues including body symmetry worries among younger audience.

In a statement on the proceedings, New York Attorney General Letitia James said “TikTok has become a hideway for abusive behavior and also very dangerous actions” such as risky challenges and rising mental health issues. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said TikTok’s business practices are a willful effort to put profits before user safety, arguing that social-media behemoths are hooking children into their services by making them stay longer.

In a statement to Tomosnews, TikTok denied the veracity of the allegations and said they were inaccurate and misleading. The company further claimed that it recognizes the necessity to protect young users by delivering features such as mobile-first screen time limits and restricted content for minors. But critics say those safeguards aren’t good enough, because kids can still circumvent them and watch that inappropriate material.

It’s part of a wider movement to hold major technology companies accountable for having a negative impact on the mental health of young people, mirroring similar lawsuits aimed at other tech giants such as Meta.(Fox Business)​(opb).