In a groundbreaking legal move, 14 US states have collectively filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the social media giant of playing a key role in the escalating mental health crisis affecting American teenagers. The lawsuit, led by a bipartisan group of attorneys general, claims that TikTok’s platform is designed in a way that fosters addiction, leading to severe emotional and psychological harm among its young user base.
The attorneys general allege that TikTok employs a range of manipulative features, such as push notifications, endless scrolling, and viral challenges, all of which are intended to keep users—especially teens—hooked on the app for extended periods. The lawsuit claims that TikTok’s practices are not only unethical but also deceptive, as the company continues to market itself as a safe platform for minors.
The lawsuit highlights numerous examples of how TikTok has negatively impacted the mental health of teenagers. One of the most tragic cases involved a 15-year-old boy who died while “subway surfing” in New York City, an activity he had seen promoted in viral TikTok videos. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is at the forefront of the legal action, condemned TikTok for exploiting vulnerable youth. “Teenagers across this nation are suffering, both mentally and physically, because of TikTok’s addictive features,” James said in a public statement.
The lawsuit also addresses broader concerns about the long-term psychological effects of using TikTok, including increased anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation among teenagers. These effects, the lawsuit argues, are worsened by TikTok’s use of beauty filters, which create unrealistic expectations of appearance and contribute to body image issues.
In response to the lawsuit, TikTok released a statement expressing disappointment in the legal action, asserting that the claims are largely unfounded. The company emphasized its commitment to improving safety measures, including the introduction of screen time management tools and content moderation. However, the lawsuit contends that these measures are insufficient and fail to address the root causes of the platform’s negative impact on young users.
This legal battle is the latest in a series of lawsuits aimed at holding social media companies accountable for their role in the growing mental health crisis among teenagers. States like Texas and Utah have already taken action against TikTok, and other platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are facing similar scrutiny for their impact on the well-being of young users.
Imran Ahmed, a leading digital safety advocate, praised the attorneys general for taking action but warned that further legislative measures are necessary to enact real change. “This lawsuit is an important step, but without stronger laws, these platforms will continue to operate with minimal accountability,” he said.
The lawsuit against TikTok comes at a time of increased regulatory pressure on social media companies. With more than half of US teenagers using TikTok daily, the platform’s role in shaping the mental health of young people is under intense scrutiny. As the case unfolds, it has the potential to not only reshape TikTok’s future but also influence the broader tech industry’s approach to user safety and digital well-being.