Summary: TikTok is facing unprecedented legal backlash over concerns that its addictive features are harming children's mental health. A coalition of 14 state attorneys general has filed lawsuits against the popular short-form video app, accusing it of designing a platform that prioritizes profit over young users' well-being.
A national investigation into TikTok's practices was launched in March 2022 by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general. The probe focused on the app's algorithm and design features, which were alleged to be intentionally addictive. At the heart of each lawsuit is the claim that TikTok prioritizes profit over children's health and safety.
The lawsuits filed by state attorneys general highlight several concerning features within TikTok that allegedly contribute to its addictive nature. These include:
- Endless scrolling: The ability for users to endlessly scroll through content, leading to prolonged use and potential addiction.
- Buzzing notifications: Push notifications that come with built-in "buzzes" designed to keep users engaged.
- Face filters: Features that create unattainable beauty standards, contributing to body dysmorphia and other long-lasting problems.
TikTok has expressed disappointment over the lawsuits, stating that it had been working with the attorneys general for two years on addressing these issues. The company claims to be committed to protecting teens and will continue to update and improve its product.
Washington and several other states have accused TikTok of operating as an "unlicensed virtual economy" by allowing users to purchase virtual currency and send gifts to streamers who can cash them out for real money. This allegedly allows the company to profit from exploitation, including the use of minors in sexually explicit content.
The use of social media among teens is nearly universal in the U.S. and many other parts of the world. According to a Pew Research Center survey, almost all teens ages 13-17 report using a social media platform. A CDC survey also found that high school students who frequently use social media are more likely to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
TikTok has faced previous lawsuits from Republican-led states over allegations of harming children's mental health, exposing them to "inappropriate" content, and allowing young people to be sexually exploited on its platform. The company is also fighting a data-oriented federal lawsuit filed in August by the Department of Justice.
TikTok's legal battle over addiction concerns marks a significant moment for the social media landscape. As states and regulators push back against tech companies prioritizing profit over users' well-being, the future of online platforms may be shaped by these lawsuits and the lessons learned from them.