Social media companies are being sued for harming their users’ mental health – but are the platforms addictive? | Social media

Lawsuits against Meta and YouTube, alleging these platforms severely damaged the mental health of children, were delayed due to a senior attorney's illness. The lawsuits, which do not solely rely on the idea of addiction, claim that social media use can lead to depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and even death by suicide. While experts acknowledge social media can be harmful, they argue it is difficult to scientifically prove addiction. Some researchers suggest using terms like "problematic use" or "use disorders" instead of "addiction." The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the term "problematic use" for social media, recognizing both its harms and benefits.