AI Image
Snap settles with two teens during trial testing claims social media caused depression, eating disorders
NBC News • • business
Key Points:
- Snap Inc has reached a settlement in a trial brought by two teenagers alleging the company designed Snapchat to be addictive, contributing to their depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, according to plaintiffs' attorneys.
- The trial was part of broader litigation targeting social media companies like Snap, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube for allegedly encouraging compulsive use among teens, with previous settlements reached with Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.
- The case was intended as a bellwether trial to test claims against Snap and potentially influence outcomes of thousands of similar lawsuits related to youth mental health impacts from social media.
- Snap stated it has implemented safeguards, safety tutorials, and partnerships with experts to enhance user safety and well-being, denying claims that its platform was designed to addict young users.
- Social media companies face widespread legal challenges over their role in a youth mental health crisis, with Meta recently settling lawsuits for up to $18 billion and agreeing to changes in its platforms for teens.
