In an unprecedented move, 14 US states have joined forces in a sweeping legal battle against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of exacerbating a mental health crisis among the country’s youth. The bipartisan group of attorneys general alleges that TikTok’s use of addictive features is detrimental to children and teenagers, encouraging compulsive behavior that leads to severe psychological harm.
The lawsuit, filed in New York on Tuesday, claims that TikTok intentionally designed its platform to be addictive, using algorithms and notifications that manipulate young users into spending excessive amounts of time on the app. Moreover, the suit contends that TikTok has misled the public by presenting the app as a safe space for young people, despite being aware of its harmful effects.
The complaint highlights multiple cases where TikTok’s influence has led to tragic consequences. One notable example cited in the lawsuit is the death of a 15-year-old boy in Manhattan who died while “subway surfing” — a dangerous stunt he had seen on TikTok. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a leading voice in the case, stressed that TikTok’s addictive features are driving youth to engage in risky behavior, leading to injuries, mental distress, and in some cases, death.
James added that TikTok’s actions are worsening the already fragile mental health of millions of American teens. “Despite knowing the detrimental impact of their platform, TikTok has made false claims about the safety of its services, portraying itself as safe and appropriate for young users,” she said.
TikTok has responded to the lawsuit with disappointment, stating that many of the claims are inaccurate. The platform reaffirmed its commitment to improving the user experience for teens, particularly in terms of providing tools for screen time management. However, the lawsuit challenges the efficacy of these tools, asserting that TikTok has not taken sufficient measures to mitigate the negative consequences of excessive app use.
This legal action is part of a growing wave of scrutiny against social media companies, with TikTok standing at the forefront. States like Texas and Utah have previously filed similar suits, while federal authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), have taken action against TikTok for violating child privacy laws.
Despite these challenges, TikTok remains immensely popular among young people, with more than half of US teenagers estimated to use the platform multiple times a day. Critics argue that TikTok’s business model, driven by user engagement, incentivizes the company to prioritize growth over the safety and well-being of its users.
Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, remarked that while this lawsuit is a critical step in raising awareness about the dangers of social media, meaningful change will require more than just legal action. “We need stronger laws to protect children online,” he said. “Attorneys general are doing what they can with the tools available to them, but the federal government must step up to hold these companies accountable.”
As the lawsuit progresses, it could serve as a bellwether for future regulatory actions against other platforms. The case against TikTok represents a significant moment in the ongoing battle to balance the benefits of technology with the need to safeguard the mental health of younger generations.
