Lawsuits Allege Youth Mental Health Problems Caused by Social Media
Are you a parent or guardian of a teen or young adult in North Carolina who suffered serious mental health consequences related to social media use? You are not alone — and you may have legal options.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are facing mounting legal action across the country. Families are suing these tech giants, alleging they intentionally designed addictive algorithms that exploit vulnerable users, particularly adolescents, leading to serious harm.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are reviewing social media harm claims across North Carolina. If your child has suffered from mental health issues, eating disorders, self-harm, or other serious effects tied to social media use, contact or call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free, no-obligation case review.
Our firm is based right here in North Carolina and committed to seeking justice for our fellow North Carolinians. Please call 1-800-525-7111 to speak with an experienced NC attorney handling social media harm lawsuits.
These social media companies have denied any liability and/or wrongdoing, but we are determined to hold them accountable for any potential negligence.
January 2026 Updates
The social media harm litigation continues to expand as plaintiffs, including families, school districts, and state and local governments, pursue claims that major social media platforms intentionally designed their products to be addictive and harmful to children and adolescents. These lawsuits allege that features such as algorithmic amplification, infinite scroll, push notifications, and social validation metrics contributed to increased rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation among youth. As of January 2026, the litigation remains active and procedurally complex, with courts addressing core legal theories and discovery disputes.
Key developments this month include:
- Federal cases remain consolidated in the MDL pending before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, where coordinated pretrial proceedings continue across hundreds of actions.
- Discovery is focused on internal research, algorithm design, engagement metrics, and company knowledge regarding the mental health impacts of prolonged social media use on minors.
- Defendants continue to press motions to dismiss, arguing that claims are barred by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and protected by the First Amendment.
- Plaintiffs are advancing theories centered on defective product design, failure to warn, and deceptive practices, emphasizing internal documents allegedly showing awareness of youth-specific harms.
- Bellwether case planning remains in early stages, with the court prioritizing resolution of threshold legal defenses before moving toward trial scheduling.
Overall, the social media harm lawsuits remain at a critical early phase, with forthcoming rulings on Section 230 immunity, constitutional defenses, and duty of care expected to shape the future of the MDL. As 2026 unfolds, these decisions will likely determine whether the litigation advances toward bellwether trials or faces significant narrowing, with substantial implications for platform accountability and youth safety claims nationwide.
What Are Social Media Harm Lawsuits About?
Social media lawsuits claim that major platforms knowingly created addictive algorithms and content delivery systems that maximize screen time and promote harmful content, particularly among young users. Internal documents and whistleblower testimony have revealed that companies like Meta (Facebook and Instagram) were aware of the negative psychological effects of their platforms — especially for teenage girls — but failed to act.
These lawsuits seek justice for families whose children suffered from serious mental health consequences and, in many cases, devastating outcomes such as self-harm or suicide. Many of the lawsuits have been consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3047) in the Northern District of California, overseen by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. As of early 2025, more than 400 lawsuits are pending in this MDL, with additional cases expected to be filed.
For a free case review with our experienced NC legal team, please call 1-800-525-7111. As always, the consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless you do.
Who Qualifies for a Social Media Harm Lawsuit in North Carolina?
You may qualify for a lawsuit if your adolescent, teen, or young adult child was an active user of one or more social media platform(s) and later developed one or more of the following conditions:
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
- Binge-eating
- Purging (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercising)
- Body dysmorphia
- Self-harm
- Suicide or attempted suicide, or suicidal ideation
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Death
Social media harm lawsuits are focused on the potential link between prolonged social media exposure and serious psychological and behavioral harm in minors and young adults. If your child or loved one was harmed, our legal team can help determine if you may be eligible to file a claim.
When Justice Counts™, count on the team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.
Why File a Lawsuit?
Lawsuits are not just about financial compensation — they are about accountability. Social media platforms are alleged to target young users and profit from prolonged engagement, often at the expense of mental and emotional health. Filing a lawsuit can:
- Help hold potentially liable tech companies accountable for their actions
- Provide financial support for medical, psychological, and/or educational expenses
- Help push for safer design and better protections for young users
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers?
Led by father-daughter duo Gene Riddle and Alex Riddle, we’re proud to be based in North Carolina, serving families in communities across this great state. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping those harmed by powerful corporations — whether they manufacture dangerous drugs, toxic chemicals, or, as alleged in these cases, run addictive digital platforms.
We offer:
- Free case reviews with no obligation
- No fees unless we win your case
- Offices located throughout North Carolina
- Compassionate, experienced team ready to listen and help
Since 2000 alone, our firm has recovered over $900 million in compensation for our valued clients (see disclaimer below). Our attorneys are proud to be honored by such prestigious organizations and awards (see disclaimer below) as:
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and The National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40
- Super Lawyers
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Beyond our results and accolades, however, we’re especially proud of the way our North Carolina clients talk about their experience with us:
- “They made a hard time in my life easier to endure.” —Melissa C.
- “It was nice to see Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers put me and my needs first.” —R.C.
- “I don’t know where I would be without Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers.” —Gary B.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
If your child or loved one has been harmed by social media use, call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. We’re committed to justice for our North Carolina neighbors and are ready to help however we can.
If you qualify and you decide to hire us, you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. It’s as simple as that.
When Justice Counts™, let the team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers help however we can.