When Scrolling Becomes a Crisis: The Hidden Danger Designed Into Your Child's Phone
For millions of families across America, social media began as a way to stay connected, a place for teens to share moments, discover interests, and engage with friends. But what parents were never told is that platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube were not built simply to connect people. They were engineered, deliberately and systematically, to be as addictive as possible, with young users as the primary target.
Internal documents from these companies tell a disturbing story. Meta researchers once described Instagram as "a drug" and referred to their own team as "basically pushers." TikTok's own internal reports acknowledged that "minors do not have the executive mental function to control their screen time." Snapchat executives privately admitted that users who develop a Snapchat addiction have "no room for anything else." These companies knew. And they continued anyway.
A Real Human Cost
The human cost of these decisions is catastrophic. Across the country, children and teenagers who spent hours each day on these platforms are now suffering from severe depression, debilitating anxiety, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and in the most devastating cases, have taken their own lives. What these children and their families are experiencing is not a coincidence, it is the direct and foreseeable result of product designs created to override a developing brain's natural ability to disengage.
The law is beginning to catch up. A federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL 3047), formally titled In re: Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, has consolidated thousands of cases against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and other platforms. Federal and state court judges have ruled that these companies cannot hide behind Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to escape accountability for the addictive features they deliberately built into their products. Trials are now underway and the legal path forward for victims and their families is clearer than ever before.
Our Law Firm is Ready to Help
At Jason J. Joy & Associates, we represent families who are living with the consequences of these companies' choices. We understand that coming forward is difficult, especially when the harm involves your child's mental health, a suicide attempt, or trauma that your family is still processing. Our team approaches every case with the discretion, compassion, and fierce legal commitment that these families deserve. We take on powerful corporations every day, and we are not intimidated by their billion-dollar legal defenses. If your child has been harmed by social media addiction, you should not have to bear that burden alone. There is no cost to speak with us, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Delays May be Costly
Time matters in these claims. Statutes of limitations can affect your ability to file, and the litigation is actively moving forward. We encourage you to contact Jason J. Joy & Associates today for a free, confidential case review. Let us evaluate your situation and help you understand your rights.
Social Media Addiction Claims Quick Facts
Trust A Firm With Over 10 Years Of Experience In Fighting For Others
01
How much does it cost to hire you?
At Jason J. Joy & Associates, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing upfront to get started. We cover all case costs and attorney fees, and you only owe us anything if and when we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing. Families dealing with the trauma of social media harm should not have to worry about legal fees. Our commitment is simple: we fight for you, and we only get paid when you do.
02
What is this case about?
This litigation involves major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube — that are alleged to have intentionally designed their apps to psychologically addict children and teenagers. Rather than prioritizing user safety, these companies deployed algorithmic tools, infinite scroll, autoplay, and social validation features specifically engineered to maximize screen time among minors. Internal communications from these companies show they were aware their platforms caused serious harm to young users and chose to conceal or minimize those findings in pursuit of advertising revenue and profit growth.
03
Is There a Legal Solution for Families?
Yes. Thousands of families are currently pursuing legal claims through a federal Multi-District Litigation and parallel state court proceedings against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and other platforms. Courts have ruled that these companies cannot escape liability by hiding behind Section 230, and judges have ordered them to produce internal documents related to their harmful platform designs. Compensation in these cases may cover medical and psychiatric treatment costs, therapy, hospitalization, pain and suffering, and, in the most severe cases, wrongful death. Families of victims have legal options, and those options are being actively exercised right now.
04
How do I know if I qualify?
You or your child may qualify if the user is currently 19 years old or younger, used one or more of the covered platforms, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, or YouTube, for at least 3 hours per day, and began using social media before turning 18. Qualifying injuries include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self-harm, suicidal ideation or attempts, sexual exploitation, or drug-related harm. At least one form of treatment, including a doctor visit, hospitalization, emergency room care, or counseling, is generally required. Contact us for a free case review to confirm your eligibility.
