The Plaintiff's Case: Engineering Addiction for Profit?
The plaintiff's lawyer, Mark Lanier, is taking a different tack. He compared social media platforms to casinos and addictive drugs, arguing that they are designed to "addict the brains of children"
Lanier presented research suggesting that young users who join social media platforms are more likely to stay on them longer. He argues that this makes them prime targets for long-term profit Meta maintains that it's careful to test features used by young people before releasing them Meta, the parent company of Instagram, denies that social media addiction is a clinically recognized condition. Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, testified in a trial that he believes there's a difference between problematic use and clinical addiction. Meta's lawyers also pointed out that social media addiction is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The central argument is whether social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are designed to be intentionally addictive, particularly for young users. Plaintiff's lawyers argue that these platforms are engineered to keep users engaged for extended periods, leading to potential harm and long-term profit for the companies. Meta contends that excessive use is 'problematic' but not a true clinical addiction. Meta, along with YouTube, could be held accountable for allegedly harming children through addictive platform designs. Meta also faces additional legal challenges, including lawsuits from over 40 state attorneys general, alleging harm to young people through addictive features on Instagram and Facebook. The trial aims to determine if these platforms are liable for damages related to the alleged addiction. Meta's defense centers on the argument that social media use does not constitute a true clinical addiction. They differentiate between casual overuse and genuine addiction, likening it to being 'addicted' to a Netflix show. Meta also emphasizes that the American Psychiatric Association does not recognize social media addiction in the same way as addiction to drugs and alcohol.The Bigger Picture
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Instagram chief says he does not believe people can get clinically addicted to social media - AP News
Instagram chief likens social media addiction to being hooked on a Netflix show in trial testimony - CNBC
Instagram Chief Says Social Media Is Not ‘Clinically Addictive’ in Landmark Trial - The New York Times
