A judge in New Mexico has determined that Meta contributed to the state’s crisis in youth mental health. The ruling orders Meta to pay $567 million for treatment and prevention programs due to the impact of features like endless scrolling, autoplay, notifications, and content recommendations on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These features were found to keep users, particularly teenagers, engaged for longer periods.
The judge stated that these features led to increased rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide risk among young individuals. Additionally, the platforms were linked to child sexual exploitation and added pressure on schools, law enforcement, and the mental health system in New Mexico.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez praised the ruling, describing it as a significant moment that could change the global conversation about holding large companies accountable for their actions. Torrez emphasized Meta’s lack of transparency regarding the harms associated with their platforms and stressed the importance of prioritizing children’s safety over profits.
In response, a Meta spokesperson expressed disagreement with the ruling and confirmed their intention to appeal. The spokesperson highlighted Meta’s efforts to maintain platform safety and their commitment to defending against claims that they believe misrepresent the facts.
Torrez anticipates a lengthy appeals process but is eager to expedite the payment of funds to address the harm being done to children. The lawsuit against Meta, initially filed in December 2023, alleged violations of state law and resulted in a jury finding Meta guilty of numerous violations and imposing a civil penalty. The judge’s ruling now mandates Meta to allocate $567 million to an abatement fund for various prevention, screening, treatment, and oversight initiatives.
Furthermore, Meta is gearing up for a trial in federal court in California, facing multiple states that have sued the company for its alleged role in contributing to the youth mental health crisis through platform design. The company’s statement affirms its commitment to creating a safe online environment for teens and families.
In addition to the New Mexico case, other states have initiated legal proceedings against Meta and Google-owned YouTube for similar reasons. A Los Angeles jury recently found both companies negligent for their app designs and failure to warn users about potential dangers, resulting in damages awarded to the plaintiff. Both companies have indicated their intention to appeal the verdict.
