What You Should Know About Social Media Harm Lawsuits: Q&A With Attorney Brendan Smith
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In 2024, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called on Congress to add a warning label to social media platforms, saying “social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents.” As the concern over social media’s negative impact on children, teens and young adults grows, people have begun suing social media companies Meta, Snap, ByteDance and Google. Claims state that the companies designed their social media apps to be addictive and target children.
These lawsuits say heavy use of apps like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube has led to a rise in suicide rates, emergency room visits for anxiety and more for young people.
As of February 2025, more than 1,200 Social media harm lawsuits are pending in the District Court for the Northern District of California.
In this interview, attorney Brendan Smith of Simmons Hanly Conroy explains why people are suing social media companies, what lawsuits say about social media’s negative impacts and if you may qualify to file a social media harm lawsuit.
Q: Why are people suing social media companies?
People are bringing lawsuits against social media companies based on claims that these platforms contribute to addiction, mental health challenges, cyberbullying and the spread of harmful or misleading information. In many cases, plaintiffs allege that social media companies design their platforms to encourage excessive use, fail to protect younger users from age-inappropriate content and inadequately moderate content that can lead to serious emotional distress.
Q: What kind of evidence is presented in social media harm lawsuits to show their negative impact?
Evidence will likely include user data demonstrating significant time spent on platforms, internal documents suggesting the deliberate design of addictive features, and expert testimony connecting social media overuse to psychological harm. Investigations will likely reveal how algorithms amplify certain types of content, potentially worsening mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and social isolation. In some cases, plaintiffs may present direct communication records or posts to illustrate personal harm, such as cyberbullying or harassment.
Q: What injuries are people suing for?
Claims often involve a range of psychological, emotional and even physical injuries. Plaintiffs may report severe anxiety, depression, self-harm tendencies, eating disorders or suicidal ideation as teens and young adults. Harassment or bullying via social media can lead to documented emotional distress.
Q: Who qualifies to file a social media lawsuit?
Individuals who have been significantly harmed due to their or their child’s use of social media platforms may qualify, provided they can show a direct link between that harm and the company’s actions or omissions. This could include families of minors who developed serious mental health issues attributed to prolonged or damaging social media use. It may also involve those who have experienced severe online harassment. Statutes of limitations and the legal definition of harm vary by jurisdiction, making it essential to consult an attorney about eligibility.
Q: How have injuries from social media affected your clients’ lives?
Many people have experienced drastic changes in their mental and emotional well-being, including increased anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Some have required long-term psychological counseling, while others have struggled academically or professionally due to the intense stress and time demands associated with social media use. In the most severe cases, clients have faced life-altering consequences, including self-harm or suicidal ideation, which underscores the gravity of these lawsuits.
Q: What can we expect to see from this litigation in 2025?
Ongoing lawsuits may lead to more rigorous oversight of social media platforms, either through new legislation or court-imposed guidelines. Investigations into platform algorithms and content moderation practices will likely intensify, revealing more information about how these companies prioritize user engagement and handle reported harm. Multidistrict litigation may expand as more individuals step forward with claims, and potential settlements could result in revised business practices to safeguard against user harm.
Q: What is the most important thing people should know about these lawsuits?
It is crucial to recognize that social media harm cases are evolving as society’s understanding of the psychological and social effects of technology grows. Anyone considering a claim should document specific instances of harmful content, harassment or mental health impacts, and seek professional guidance to confirm whether there is a viable path to compensation. Because social media companies are global entities, the legal landscape can be complex, so timely consultation with an experienced attorney is essential for navigating these claims.
