Can someone’s social media use qualify as pathological, with adverse effects on a user’s lifestyle akin to compulsive gambling, spending, or sexual behavior?
And if it can, then should the profit-making corporations that own, operate, and promote social media platforms be held responsible for the damage done?
All good questions, and it appears that the Courts are ready to take that issue on.
First up is a landmark trial in Los Angeles. If the plaintiffs are successful, even in terms of a lucrative settlement, the potential for more lawsuits is, well, enormous.
After all, current best estimate is that around 250 million Americans use social media, and the average daily use is more than two hours.
Here’s an overview of the situation from The Guardian.
Tech giants head to landmark US trial over social media addiction claims
According to the article, it’s hoped that some of the truly big names in tech, representing companies such as Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, will be called to testify in person. I’ll believe that when I see it.
In my experience, many tech CEOs have real difficulty in such situations, where stakes are high and their ability to control the discussion is limited– as it no doubt would be in Court.
Maybe that’s partly due to their phenomenal wealth. As somebody once remarked, “the world looks different from behind all those zeros.” I’m sure it does.
Anyway, social media platforms do employ many of the same tactics that casino operators have perfected over the years. It would be difficult for the defense to argue that this isn’t done intentionally, for the sole purpose of keeping patrons coming back for more.
And more, and more, and more.
I expect the social media execs will counter with arguments about their platform’s educational benefits, its opportunities for young people to make friends, etc. But is that enough to offset the painful experience of these unhappy customers?
Once again, we’ll have to wait and see. It may not take that long.
