Meta’s Dismissal Request Denied in Massachusetts Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

Meta’s Dismissal Request Denied in Massachusetts Social Media Case

Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Peter Krupp has denied Meta Platforms’ motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the state of Massachusetts, alleging that the social media giant intentionally designed addictive features on its Instagram platform and misled the public about the potential risks to youth mental health. Judge Krupp’s decision, made public on Friday, rejected Meta’s attempt to dismiss claims brought by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, accusing it of violating state consumer protection law and creating a public nuisance.

Massachusetts Lawsuit Part of Broader Legal Challenge

The Massachusetts lawsuit is one of several legal challenges facing Meta over allegations related to the impact of its social media platforms on teenagers’ mental well-being. Days prior to Judge Krupp’s ruling, a federal judge in California also denied Meta’s request to dismiss lawsuits by more than 30 states, claiming that the company’s addictive platforms contribute to mental health issues among young users.

Allegations Against Meta’s CEO

The Massachusetts lawsuit has garnered significant attention due to allegations that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally thwarted initiatives aimed at addressing potential harms to teenagers on the company’s platforms. The state’s complaint alleges that Zuckerberg played a key role in suppressing internal research that suggested Instagram could negatively affect the mental health of young users.

Public Nuisance Claim

Attorney General Campbell’s lawsuit goes beyond consumer protection claims, alleging that Meta’s conduct has created a public nuisance by harming the mental health of Massachusetts youth. The lawsuit argues that Meta’s actions have created a “significant and widespread threat to the public health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s young people.”

Meta’s Response

Meta has declined to comment on the Massachusetts ruling, while a spokesperson for Attorney General Campbell has also remained silent. The company has previously denied allegations of intentional harm to users, claiming that its platforms are designed to be safe and beneficial.

Legal Battle Continues

Meta’s legal battle over social media addiction allegations is ongoing. The federal lawsuits still pending, along with the Massachusetts state case, could have far-reaching implications for the social media industry and the way it addresses the well-being of young users.