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The Story: Forty-one US states have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming that the Big Tech company intentionally designed its products with addictive features that harm young users on Facebook and Instagram.

The lawsuits, filed in federal and state courts, allege that Meta misled the public about the risks its platforms pose to young people and knowingly marketed its products to users under thirteen, which is against its policies and federal law. The states demand that Meta change product features which are harmful to young users.

In response to the lawsuit, a Meta spokesperson said, quote, “Since this investigation has begun, we have engaged in a meaningful dialogue with the attorneys general regarding the ways Meta already works to support young people on its platforms, and how Meta is continuously working to improve young peoples’ experiences…we’re disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.”

One case from Massachusetts alleges that Meta knowingly uses features to psychologically manipulate young people into addictive platform usage to boost revenue. And that Meta has attempted to conceal these abuses.

Internal Meta research highlights the negative impact social apps are having on teenagers, especially young women. 32% of teen girls say they feel worse about their bodies after using Instagram.

Meta says it is addressing the issue through implementing features concerning the well-being of young users and by offering stricter parental controls.