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.
December 2025 Updates
The social media harm lawsuits continued accelerating throughout December 2025, with thousands of claims nationwide alleging that platforms such as Meta (Facebook & Instagram), TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and others intentionally designed their apps to be psychologically addictive, especially for minors. Plaintiffs argue that these platforms employ algorithms, infinite-scroll feeds, dopamine-based engagement systems, push notifications, appearance-comparison filters, and dark patterns that fuel compulsive use and contribute to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and self-harm. The litigation is now one of the fastest-growing mass torts in the U.S., with increasingly organized coordination across jurisdictions.
Recent developments include:
- A continued increase in filings from parents, school districts, and young adults alleging significant mental health harms after prolonged use of algorithm-driven social media platforms. Many cases involve minors who developed severe psychological injuries linked to addictive design features.
- Intensifying focus on algorithm design and internal knowledge, with plaintiffs arguing that companies were aware their recommendation engines and engagement tools exploited vulnerabilities in developing brains but failed to provide meaningful safeguards or warnings.
- Increasing attention on body image harm and appearance-filter impacts, especially regarding Instagram and TikTok, where lawsuits claim that curated feeds and beauty-altering filters fuel eating disorders and self-esteem deterioration.
- Ongoing efforts to pursue state-level consolidation, along with discussions about potential federal coordination as case volume continues to grow and evidence patterns become more consistent across complaints.
- Expanded interest from school systems pursuing claims for financial damages, arguing that youth mental health crises—exacerbated by social media—have overloaded school counseling, behavioral support, and disciplinary systems.
Overall, the social media harm litigation is rapidly evolving and gaining structural momentum. As 2026 approaches, the most pivotal issues will be expert testimony on addiction-by-design, judicial decisions regarding platform immunity under Section 230, and whether courts find that social media companies can be held liable for alleged, algorithm-driven mental health injuries. These rulings will heavily shape the future scale and direction of the lawsuits.
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 $850 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.