Speak with an AR Social Media Harm Attorney.
If you or your child has suffered harm due to social media use, our attorneys are here to help. Our law firm is actively filing lawsuits against social media platforms on behalf of children and adolescents in Arkansas.
Trust the legal team at Taylor King Law to be on your side – by your side
Social media addiction lawsuits allege that companies including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, X, and others knowingly designed algorithms to lure adolescents into harmful addictions.
Even as evidence of social media harm became widely known, social media platforms have continued to push addictive designs intended to entice young people.
Table of Contents
Arkansas Lawyers for Social Media Harm
Lawsuits Against Facebook & Instagram
Am I Eligible to File a Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?
Social Media Can Be Sued for Harm & Negligence
What Is Social Media Harm?
Is Social Media More Dangerous for Kids?
Dangerous Effects of Social Media on Teenagers
Cyberbullying
Signs of Social Media Addiction
Effects of Social Media Addiction
Why is Social Media Addictive
Are Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, & TikTok Responsible?
School Districts Filing Social Media Lawsuits
Are Cell Phones a Problem in Schools?
Allegations Against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, & TikTok
Arkansas’ Phone-Free Schools Government Pilot Program
Who Can File a Social Media Harm Lawsuit?
Arkansas Lawyers
Arkansas Lawyers for Social Media Addiction
At Taylor King Law, we have a team with over 275 years of combined legal experience. Nationally recognized, we are committed to fighting the biggest legal battles and are prepared to hold social media platforms accountable.
We’ve been representing Arkansans for over 30 years. One of Arkansas’ most locally awarded firms, you can trust our team to be on your side every step of the way.
Contact Taylor King for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and answer your questions at no cost. We promise to be on your side – by your side.
Taylor King Law has been representing our friends and neighbors in AR for more than 30 years.
Lawsuits Against Facebook, Instagram, & More
States across America, including Arkansas, are filing suit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. The lawsuit contends that social media companies knowingly used features on their platforms that caused children to use them compulsively.
According to a lawsuit filed in October of 2023, “Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens.”
Moreover, social media companies have purposely set out to entice and addict young people knowing full well the implications for children’s mental health and well-being.
Facebook’s founding president publicly stated that the company had set out to consume as much of a user’s time as possible. The creators behind Facebook were “exploiting a vulnerability in human psychology,” Sean Parker admitted. “[We] understood this consciously and we did it anyway.”
School districts in Arkansas are joining a nationwide lawsuit against social media companies. Taylor King Law is actively representing school districts in Arkansas. Together we can hold social media companies responsible.
Fill out the form below to find out whether you’re eligible to join the lawsuit against social media companies. One of our team members will reach out to ask additional questions and ensure you receive the representation you need.
Am I Eligible to File a Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?
Do I Have A Case?
REACH OUT VIA FORM
Social Media Can Be Sued for Harm & Negligence
In November of 2023, a federal judge ruled that social media companies must face charges brought against them. Social media addiction lawsuits allege that major social media companies are responsible for illegally enticing and addicting millions of children to their social platforms.
Meta Platforms, which operates Facebook and Instagram; ByteDance, which operates TikTok; Snap, which operates Snapchat; and Alphabet, which operates Google and YouTube, sought to dismiss the litigation accusing them of harming children. However, a U.S. District judge in California ruled against the social media companies.
In their ruling, the judge rejected the notion that Meta, ByteDance, Alphabet, and Snap were immune from being sued. According to her ruling, “companies legally owe a duty to their users arising from their status as product makers and can be sued for negligence over their duty to design reasonably safe products and to warn users of known defects.”
What Is Social Media Harm?
Social media platforms are addictive by design. The notifications that platforms are built around trigger a dopamine release in our brains, similar to recreational drugs and gambling.
Author, Max Fisher, writes “Dopamine creates a positive association with whatever behaviors prompted its release, training you to repeat them…When that dopamine reward system gets hijacked, it can compel you to repeat self-destructive behaviors. To place one more bet, binge on alcohol – or spend hours on apps even when they make you unhappy.”
Facebook and Instagram (among others) pair their notifications with positive affirmations such as likes, follows, updates, and photographs.
Should social media companies be held liable? According to psychologist Nicholas Kardaras, the people behind Facebook and Instagram not only designed their platforms to be wildly addictive but have kept them that way even amid mounting evidence that social media overuse has a horrible effect on one’s mental and physical well-being.
Is Social Media More Dangerous for Kids?
Adults are susceptible to social media harm, but teens and adolescents are particularly at risk. Why? The brain regions involved in resisting temptation and reward are not nearly as developed in children as they are in an adult’s brain.
Teenagers are uniquely vulnerable to getting hooked on social media.
Young people have become accustomed to using social media to maintain dopamine levels – which one UCLA study reflects:
As outlined in the Harvard Business Review, MRI scans measuring blood flow to the brains of teens responding to “likes” showed that their nucleus accumbens, or reward centers, lit up with activity. There is a distinct and scientific connection between social media use and how it affects the brain.
Teenagers’ brains are still changing. Adolescents are more likely to feel intimacy or rejection but lack the critical thinking skills to recognize the effects of social media use.
Research has further revealed that multitasking with mobile devices and social media while studying leads to lower gray matter density in the anterior cingulate cortex. What does this mean? It means that social media is changing the adolescent brain.
Dangerous Effects of Social Media on Teenagers
There are several negative effects that social media has on the mental and physical health of adolescents.
Cyberbullying
Teenagers are impulsive and quick to be critical online. Social media opens children to being bullied, harassed, or even blackmailed.
In April the family of a 15-year-old boy filed a social media addiction lawsuit. The young teen committed suicide as a result of being sexually blackmailed on social media. The lawsuit, filed against Facebook, asserts negligence, violation of unfair trade, fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation, violations of federal statutes related to the sexual exploitation of minors, and wrongful death.
Social Anxiety
Influencers and users notoriously portray an idealized version of reality. This distorted reality, however, can negatively impact a teenager’s perception of their own life. In a desire to “measure up” to a false reality, teenagers may seek extreme steps. Unrealistic comparisons, inevitably, lead to anxiety, depression, and physical harm.
Further anxiety can be a result of feeling left out. Doom scrolling, or scrolling endlessly, teenagers will inevitably see other users’ idealized portrayals and activities and feel they’re being left out, known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Self Harm
Young people experiencing cyberbullying or depressing thoughts are in danger of algorithmic direction. Social media algorithms have been known to expose adolescents to unwanted and harmful messaging and imagery. This includes depictions of self-harm, self-imagery, and posts related to suicide.
Further, teenage girls have reported an increased risk of eating disorders in relation to frequent social media use.
Suicide Risk
The most predictive indicator of suicide risk in emerging adulthood has been shown to be a high level of social media use.
According to one study, adverse effects of social media such as cyberbullying, social comparisons, imitation and triggers, and dependency can provoke and aggravate suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
What To Do If Your Child is Being Cyberbullied:
Cyberbullying affects 60% of teenagers. Thanks to social media and online platforms cyberbullying is on the rise.
Signs & Effects of Cyberbullying
In our blog, Cyberbullying & Social Media Harm, we examine the causes behind cyberbullying, the signs and effects of cyberbullying, and what to do if you suspect your child is being bullied online.
We also look at what it means to file a cyberbullying lawsuit in Arkansas.
Social Media Addictions for Teens & Children
Social media affects the brain the same way gambling or recreational drugs affect the brain. Likes, comments, and notifications trigger dopamine releases creating a feeling of pleasure.
Unfortunately, teenagers and adolescents are at a higher risk of addictive behaviors. The impulse-control part of a teen’s brain is less developed, resulting in addictive behaviors. Signs of social media addictive behaviors can include:
1. Compulsively checks social media
2. Decreased interest in offline activities
3. Extended periods spent scrolling on social media
This is a by-product of the “endless scroll” feature incorporated into social media apps.
4. Aggressive behavior
5. Mood swings
6. Attempted but unsuccessful or unable to cut down on social media use
7. Feelings of withdrawal when not on social media
8. Thinks about using social media when not on it
9. Uses social media as a distraction or way to “escape” reality
10. An apparent negative effect on studies or social life
11. Difficulty maintaining real-life relationships
Effects of Social Media Addiction
It’s critical to notice and act in response to the signs of social media addiction. The side effects of social media addiction in children and teenagers can include, but are not limited to:
Negative Self-Perception (Body Dysmorphia)
Distracted Behaviors (ADHD)
Eating Disorders
Depression
Anxiety
Sleeping Disorders
Suicidal Thoughts
Sexual Exploitation
Suicide
Self Harm
Physical Harm
Poor Self-Esteem
Why is Social Media Addictive?
Social media and its content play to our neurological impulses, making it difficult to turn away from the steady stream of content.
According to psychologist, David Greenfield, social media uses powerful tactics to lure users. One such tactic, termed intermittent reinforcement, creates the idea that users could gain a reward at any time.
According to the New York Times, “When the reward comes is unpredictable. ‘Just like a slot machine,’ [Greenfield] said. As with a slot machine, users are beckoned with lights and sounds but, even more powerful, information and reward tailored to a user’s interests and tastes.’ They’re all about impulse and not a lot about the control of that impulse.'”
Are Social Media Companies, Including TikTok & Instagram, Responsible?
The negative risks associated with social media are well-documented. However, social media companies continue to deny liability or make any meaningful changes to how they target children.
Thanks to a whistleblower we know that Facebook’s own research team had linked Instagram use to suicidal thoughts and harmful body images, yet they continued to target young children.
Why Are Social Media Algorithms to Blame?
As a psychologist, Dr. Charlotte Armitage points out, “Many [children don’t] recognize how much time they’re spending on the devices. They want to put the phone down but they find it hard. I find that quite scary.”
Facebook & Instagram Facing Lawsuits
Thirty-three attorney generals have filed suit against Meta alleging they designed their platforms to entice and keep children using them for longer periods of time. Their design, algorithms, copious alerts, notifications, and endless scrolling features are addictive.
In an address to the Senate, former employee Frances Haugen said “I believe Facebook’s products harm children…The company’s leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, but won’t make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people.”
Why file lawsuits against social media companies? When large companies fail to take responsibility for their actions, the legal system must bear the responsibility for protecting adolescents.
By filing suit, school districts, families, and individuals can hold social media platforms accountable and demand meaningful change to protect children and teenagers.
You can always reach Taylor King Law over the phone and online 24/7, 365 days a year. We are committed to being available to you anytime you need legal help.
School Districts Filing Social Media Lawsuits
Arkansas School districts are actively filing lawsuits associated with the multi-district litigation (MDL) alleging personal injury and wrongful death.
The lawsuits claim that social media companies are purposefully addicting minors and disrupting school operations. Social media platforms, such as Meta, ByteDance, Snap, and Alphabet, target students during school hours creating classroom disruptions. Facebook and Instagram use advertising campaigns during the school day to entice students into using their platforms.
Further, school districts are claiming these platforms are designed to addict vulnerable adolescents.
School districts join several cities’s Department of Education alleging that social media companies are deliberately engaging young users.
As a result, children are suffering.
Taylor King Law has joined with school districts and families in a nationwide lawsuit against social media. Why? Because we believe that Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook should be held responsible for knowingly and intentionally enticing children.
Are Cell Phones a Problem in Schools?
In short, yes – cell phones have become a growing issue in schools across America. Arkansas schools are reporting the distractions that cell phones and social media have played in students’ ability to learn.
According to one Arkansas school that implemented a no-cellphone policy at one of its high schools, the number of disciplinary actions and drug offenses within the school dropped roughly 80% once cell phones were removed.
A teacher asked her class of 20 students to record every notification they received during the course of a one-hour class and these were the results:
Snapchat
505 notifications
19 notifications
Text Messages
41 notifications
Facebook/Messenger
144 notifications
Other (Email/Pinterest/TikTok)
28 notifications
In a class of 20 students, that’s one notification every 5 seconds.
What Are The Allegations Against Meta, Snapchat, & TikTok?
Social media addiction lawsuits are actively being filed against numerous social media platforms. Those companies include Meta, Snap, TikTok, Google, and Alphabet.
And the allegations against social media companies are related to the harm they’ve caused adolescents:
DESIGN
Social media companies designed products to entice and addict children.
MARKETING
They marketed their products as being safe for children despite clear and contradictory evidence.
FAILURE TO WARN
Social media companies failed to warn parents of the known negative health effects of social media use for children.
FAILURE TO VERIFY
They failed to verify the age of users.
You are not alone if your child has experienced harm from social media use. The stories behind these allegations detail children who have suffered mentally and physically. If you and your family are struggling with the harmful effects of social media use or addiction, our team is here to support you.
Arkansas School Districts Encouraged to Join ‘Phone-Free Schools’ Pilot Program
In July of 2024, the governor of Arkansas announced a pilot program intended to restrict in-school phone use. According to the Governor Sander’s announcement:
“The average American teen now spends nearly 5 hours a day on social media, usually on their phone, often in school. Spending three or more hours a day on social media doubles kids’ risk of mental health problems. Since smartphones became widespread, suicide rates have tripled among young teens, self-harm among girls has gone up nearly 200%, and depression among teenagers has increased 150%. Teen math, reading, and science scores have dropped in the U.S. and other developed nations since 2012, while school alienation has risen across the board. To help address these issues, this pilot program will provide pouches for students to safely store their phones during the school day, creating a better learning environment and inviting in-person socialization.”
Read the Arkansas governor’s entire announcement here: Arkansas Grant Program to Restrict Cell Phones in Schools
The Fayetteville school district is already prioritizing students’ mental health and addressing screen addiction and social media. Read their response here: Fayetteville Schools’ Reaction to Grant Program
Who Can File a Social Media Harm Lawsuit?
Taylor King Law is actively representing individuals, in addition to school districts in Arkansas, who have suffered harm from the use of social media. To determine eligibility, we encourage you to contact us toll-free at 877.213.5660.
Here are 5 questions to help you determine whether you and your child may be eligible to file a social media harm lawsuit.
- Did my child use social media (eligible platforms include Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, X, WhatsApp, and Messenger)?
- Is my child presently under the age of 24?
- Was my child under the age of 22 when the addiction began?
- Did my child suffer mental, physical, or psychological harm as a result of social media use or cyberbullying?
- Did my child receive treatment?
Do I Have A Case?
REACH OUT VIA FORM
Arkansas Lawyers On Your Side – By Your Side
Nationally recognized and locally awarded, the attorneys at Taylor King Law have the experience and dedication needed. Our personal injury attorneys will be on your side.
An initial consultation with an attorney is both FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
We work on a contingency basis, so we only get paid once we win your case. Contact us at any of our seven locations across Arkansas, and into Texas, today to learn more.
