A coalition of state attorneys general is launching an investigation into Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, due to concerns about its negative impact on children and teens. For years, adults have been vocal about the detrimental effects social media can have, particularly regarding self-esteem and body image. Recent reports suggest that Instagram’s influence on young users may be even more harmful, prompting this bipartisan effort to probe the situation.
Details of the Investigation
According to reports, attorneys general from at least eight states, including Massachusetts and Nebraska, are spearheading this investigation. They aim to examine how Instagram targets and affects younger users, as well as whether Meta has violated consumer protection laws. The inquiry will delve into the strategies employed by Meta to boost engagement among young users and the resulting potential harms from prolonged usage.
Nebraska’s Attorney General, Jake Thompson, emphasized the necessity for state authorities to intervene when social media platforms prioritize profit over the well-being of children. Massachusetts Attorney General Lisa Carter echoed these sentiments, stating that Meta has not adequately protected young people on its platforms and has ignored the dangers associated with its service.
Research Findings
Research has shown that Instagram’s impact on children isn’t new. Internal documents revealed that Meta is aware of the harms its platform inflicts on young users. For instance, one study indicated that 32% of teenage girls felt worse about their bodies after using Instagram, with many attributing their anxiety and depression to the app. The research suggests that Instagram fosters a culture of comparison that is more damaging than other platforms like TikTok or Snapchat, which focus more on entertainment.
In 2019, Meta acknowledged that it exacerbates body image issues for a significant portion of its teenage audience. Clearly, the company has yet to take responsibility for the adverse effects of its platform, so this investigation by state attorneys general could lead to significant consequences.
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Conclusion
In summary, state attorneys general are stepping up to investigate Instagram’s harmful effects on young users. With mounting evidence of the platform’s negative impact on mental health, this inquiry could lead to much-needed accountability for Meta.
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