Social Media Harm Lawsuits

Claims That Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Other Platforms Cause Suicide, Bullying, and Mental Health Harm

Has your child been harmed by social media? You may qualify for a social media harm lawsuit and be entitled to compensation.

In today’s digital world, social media platforms have become deeply embedded in daily life, particularly for teens and young adults. These platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, provide opportunities for communication, entertainment, and self-expression. However, while social media can be a force for good, its potential negative effects on mental health have come under increasing scrutiny. Recent lawsuits claim that these platforms are designed with addictive features that expose young users to harmful content, leading to serious mental health issues. These include anxiety, depression, body image concerns, eating disorders, self-harm, and even suicide.

Social media harm lawsuits filed against these social media giants aim to hold them accountable for the psychological damage they have potentially caused. Plaintiffs argue that these companies prioritize profits and engagement metrics over user safety, failing to implement adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable users. We are actively investigating these claims.

IMPORTANT: As of 2025, social media companies have strongly denied any liability and/or wrongdoing associated with these claims. There have been no settlements, and there are no guarantees of favorable outcomes or compensation for plaintiffs alleging social media harm in these lawsuits.

At Riddle & Riddle, we understand the potentially devastating effects that social media harm can have on individuals and families. Our social media lawsuit attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice for those who may have suffered from these issues. We provide compassionate, personalized legal representation to help victims secure the compensation and support they deserve. If you or a loved one has experienced mental health harm potentially related to social media use, contact us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.

The Scope of Social Media Use Among Teens

Social media use among teens in the U.S. is widespread and frequent. According to the Pew Research Center, 95% of teens report using at least one social media platform, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominating their online activity. Nearly 36% of teens say they are online almost constantly.

Teens typically spend hours each day scrolling through their social media feeds, engaging with posts, videos, and messages. Unfortunately, this high level of engagement can expose them to harmful content.

Examples include:

• Unrealistic beauty standards that can lead to body dysmorphia and eating disorders
• Cyberbullying and harassment, which can result in emotional trauma and anxiety
• Content that glorifies self-harm, which may influence at-risk teens to harm themselves

Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that teens who spend excessive time on social media are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Social comparison, a common issue with social media, can worsen self-esteem as users compare themselves to highly curated and often unrealistic portrayals of others.

How Social Media's Design may Contribute to Mental Health Issues

Social media platforms are designed to maximize user engagement and time spent on the app. These platforms use algorithms that analyze user behavior to provide personalized content, often promoting sensational or emotionally charged material that keeps users scrolling. Unfortunately, these tactics can also increase the likelihood of users encountering harmful content. Key engagement tactics include:

• Endless scrolling: Feeds that continuously update without a stopping point
• Push notifications: Frequent alerts designed to draw users back into the app
• Likes, comments, and shares: Features that reinforce social validation, potentially leading to anxiety around popularity and acceptance
• Algorithmic recommendations: Systems that amplify content that provokes strong emotional reactions, even if that content may be harmful

These design features have faced growing criticism from researchers, parents, and even former social media executives. Despite the evidence of potential harm, many companies have been slow to make changes to protect their youngest and most vulnerable users.

How to Qualify for a Social Media Harm Lawsuit

At Riddle & Riddle, we carefully evaluate potential claims to determine if they meet the criteria for a potential social media harm lawsuit. The following are key requirements:

• Platform Use: The individual must have used one or more platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat.
• Age at the Time of Use: The person must have been between the ages of 8 and 18 during the period of social media use.
• Current Age: The claimant must be 25 years old or younger.
• Usage Frequency: The individual should have used social media daily, often for three or more hours a day.
• Verifiable Harm: The claimant must have experienced one or more of the following mental health issues linked to social media use:
  • Body dysmorphia
  • Depression, severe anxiety, or other mental health disorders
  • Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
  • Suicidal ideation, self-harm, or attempted suicide

In addition, claimants are generally required to provide evidence of medical or mental health treatment, such as therapy or hospital records. If the harm occurred recently (within the past three months), the claimant may attest that they plan to seek treatment.

If you or your family member meets these criteria, we encourage you to contact Riddle & Riddle at 1-800-525-7111 for a free consultation.

There are no upfront costs if you decide to hire us, and we don't get paid unless you do. It's as simple as that. When Justice Counts™, call on the experienced team of social media lawsuit attorneys at Riddle & Riddle.

Examples of Social Media Harm

The negative impact of social media is not hypothetical—it affects real people in devastating ways. Here are some examples from recent cases:

• A teenage girl developed body dysmorphia and an eating disorder after spending hours on Instagram every day, viewing content that promoted extreme dieting. She was eventually hospitalized and required long-term therapy.
• A 14-year-old boy was cyberbullied on TikTok, which led to severe anxiety and depression. He began engaging in self-harm and eventually attempted suicide.
• An 11-year-old who spent weekends immersed in Snapchat and TikTok was exposed to harmful content. By age 13, he had attempted suicide twice and was admitted to a mental health facility.

These stories highlight the severe risks potentially associated with prolonged and unregulated social media use. If you or a loved one has faced similar circumstances, reach out to Riddle & Riddle at 1-800-525-7111 for support and legal guidance.

IMPORTANT: As of 2025, social media companies have strongly denied any liability and/or wrongdoing in relation to these claims. There have been no settlements to date, and there are no guarantees that social media harm lawsuits will result in compensation for plaintiffs.

Why Choose Riddle & Riddle?

Choosing the right legal team can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Riddle & Riddle, we're proud to offer:

• Expert Legal Representation: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex personal injury and mental health cases. We've been handling claims against potentially negligent corporations since 1985.
• Results: Since 2000 alone, our attorneys have recovered over $800 million for our deserving clients (see disclaimer below).
• Client-Centered Service: We provide compassionate support, guiding clients through each step of the legal process. Every client is backed by a supportive team of attorneys, case managers, paralegals, and investigators.
• Free Case Reviews: We offer no-cost consultations to help you determine your legal options. If you decide to hire us, there are no upfront costs and we don't get paid unless you do.

We're also proud to be recognized by many prestigious organizations and awards based on our experience and results (see disclaimer below), including Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and The Litigator Award. In 2025, our firm was named a "Best Family-Run Law Firm" by NC Lawyers Weekly (see disclaimer below).

If you believe you may have a case, contact Riddle & Riddle today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.

Call Now for a Free Case Review

If your child has been harmed by social media, call today for a free case review. You may be entitled to compensation and your child deserves justice. Call 1-800-525-7111 or fill out the short form below. There are absolutely no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.

When Justice Counts™, we're ready to help however we can.