How Social Media and Self-Harm Relate, and What You Can Do
As an attorney representing families in a Memphis social media suicide lawsuit, I take the impact of social media on young people very seriously. These sites have been connected to mental and emotional harm for countless children and teens. And for some, the results have been devastating.
Here’s what we know about the situation and how our firm can help.
Social Media and Suicide Risks for Minors
Multiple studies have shown a connection between social media use and a higher risk of suicide, particularly among young people. Studies have found that young people who spent more than three hours on social media per day were more likely to report suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to those who spent less time on these platforms. These studies linked social media use to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly among girls.
There are several reasons why social media may be linked to a higher risk of suicide. For example, social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are known risk factors for suicide. It can also be a platform for cyberbullying, which can cause feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Additionally, social media can promote an impossible standard in terms of beauty, lifestyle, career, and more. This impossible standard may result in feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.
How Platforms Have Responded to Increased Risk in Suicide from Social Media Use
In short, social media companies like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and others are well aware of the connection between their platforms and suicidal thoughts in minors. In response, they’ve done nothing at best.
Internal documents and Congressional testimony reveal that social media companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat were aware of the negative effects their apps could have on children’s brains. They publicly discussed these effects in their offices.
Instead of addressing these issues, however, they either did nothing or intentionally made their products more addictive. These companies also:
- didn’t provide adequate protection for children from harmful content.
- failed to verify the ages and identities of minor users.
- allowed for a lack of parental control and monitoring.
- did not protect minor users from sexual abuse and exploitation on their sites.
- never adequately warned parents about the potentially dangerous content their children could face on these apps.
And in some cases, the companies doubled down on their efforts to engage minors at a younger and younger age. For example, Instagram continues to pursue a version of the site for children younger than 13.
How We’re Holding the Companies Accountable
It’s high time someone made these companies responsible for their own actions.
They have a significant impact on society and the public’s well-being. If these social media companies have to answer for the impact of their technology, they might be more likely to consider the consequences of their decisions on their users—especially young people who may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of social media.
Our lawsuit can help to create a safer and more positive online environment and prevent future harm against our children.
In addition, our work serves to get justice for the families who’ve lost everything because of these companies’ irresponsibility. No family should ever lose a child to depression or suicide. In this case, a few actions by these mega companies might have saved children’s lives and prevented unspeakable trauma.
Join Our Memphis Social Media Suicide Lawsuit
We are currently representing minors who are 23 years old or younger and have suffered physical harm as a result of using social media. If your child’s social media use led to:
- suicidal thoughts or actions
- an eating disorder
- exploitation and/or abuse
- or self-harm
You should take immediate action. Not only does your child deserve justice; you could hold these companies accountable and stop this from happening to anyone else’s family.
Our firm will discuss your case with you, give you an idea of what to expect, and answer any questions you might have. We fight for our clients like they’re our own families, with compassion and respect, and we don’t win a thing until you do.
To get started, contact us today at 901-327-2100 or fill out the form below. We look forward to talking with you.
Social Media Case Inquiry
I would like to find out more about the social media lawsuit and see if I have a case.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone in the US 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.