Social media has become a part of many people’s everyday lives. Unfortunately, using social media has become an addiction for some. It has recently come to light that social media companies know their products present risks of addiction, especially among younger users, and that they capitalize on those addictive qualities.
A Las Vegas product liability lawyer from H&P Law can help if someone you love has become addicted to social media. Our team ranks among the “Top 100” by The National Trial Lawyers. You can expect top-notch service from a Las Vegas social media addiction lawsuit lawyer from our firm.
Social Media Addiction Can Present Grounds for a Personal Injury Claim
Those hurt by someone else’s negligence may have grounds to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. These claims move through the civil system. Victims must show, through a preponderance of the evidence, that another party’s negligence “more likely than not” caused their injury and suffering.
Product liability cases represent one kind of personal injury claim. Among the types of product liability cases in Nevada are those for “design defects” or negligent design.
Social media addiction claims typically fall into this category. Companies design products to be addictive. The user’s addiction enhances company profits.
Social media addiction claims often involve victims who are minors. An experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can take you through the special procedures for settling personal injury claims involving minors if your child has been victimized by a social media company.
Social Media Companies Know the Dangers of Their Products
Product designers and manufacturers are intentional about the products they create. Social media product designers are no different. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to sell a product.
There is a problem when companies design a product that they know contains a risk of harm, and they lean into those harmful tendencies to promote the product even more.
The civil court system has recognized the negligence of social media companies in several social media addiction lawsuits. Arguments presented by victims stated, “frequent notifications, algorithm-driven material…and infinite scrolling all encourage the development of addictive behaviors and habits.”
Victims also alleged the companies’ “deliberate action” hurt children’s mental health, and that the companies “failed to protect” young users from dangerous material. So far, one victim has been awarded $6 million. In another case, the court ruled in favor of the State of New Mexico, ordering the social media company to pay $375 million in damages.
Younger Social Media Users Are Most Vulnerable to Addiction
Children and teens are especially vulnerable to social media companies’ predatory behavior. The United States Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) findings on social media and youth mental health indicate that those on social media more than three hours per day have a doubled risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
Findings show teens spend about three and a half hours per day on social media. The “infinite scrolling” design and curated algorithms keep them engaged. Of the teens surveyed, 46% said social media made them feel worse about themselves and their bodies.
The brains of younger users are underdeveloped and more susceptible to the addictive risks of social media design. Then, as they spend more time on platforms, the risks for encountering sexual predators and falling victim to sexual abuse also increase.
The Addictive Nature of Social Media
According to social media and mental health, a fear of missing out (FOMO) can keep users coming back to social media platforms. If they don’t constantly check their notifications, they feel as if they are missing something.
When users post on social media, the “likes” or comments they receive trigger hits of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. This psychological reward prompts cravings for more. Spending more time on platforms produces an addictive cycle. As users get more rewards, their desire for even more rewards rises.
Along with producing the feel-good chemical release, social media also becomes an addictive source of security for excessive users. They may only feel at ease if they are “connected” and turn to platforms for a sense of comfort.
The Effects of Social Media Addiction Demand Compensation
The effects of social media extend beyond anxiety and depression. They also include:
- Feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Suicidal ideation
- Feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with life
- Sleep problems
- Failure to fulfill “real-world” responsibilities, such as schoolwork or professional tasks
- Failure to cultivate real-life relationships
- Self absorption
- Low self-esteem
- Eating disorders
Social media addiction can lead to physical, emotional, and financial suffering. Healing from these effects takes time and treatment, which can be costly. A social media addiction lawsuit attorney in Las Vegas can fight to get you the compensation you need to recover and get justice.
How a Las Vegas Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Attorney Can Help
Connect with H&P Law to determine if you have grounds for a social media addiction lawsuit. We can review your situation for free. Once we develop a partnership, we can get to work compiling evidence to show how the social media companies’ negligent product design caused your addiction and suffering.
The strength of the evidence factors heavily into your claim outcome. We will work to gather documentation of the harm you suffered. Documentation often includes reports from medical professionals, teachers, employers, family members, and others who have a relationship with you.
Evidence of treatment also supports your claim, as does evidence of your excessive social media use. While we can’t predict how much a personal injury case is worth without knowing the specifics of your situation, you can count on our team to fight for the maximum amount possible.
We Don’t Back Down
Social media companies are powerful. Our commitment to justice is even more powerful. H&P Law does not back down from a fight, no matter how intimidating the opponent may seem.
Negligent parties must be held accountable for how their actions hurt victims. A Las Vegas social media addiction lawsuit attorney is ready to help you get compensated for your addiction, so you can reach maximum recovery.
