Family Sues Social Media Platforms Over Daughter’s Mental Health Issues
A family from Chico, California, has filed a lawsuit alleging that their daughter, referred to as KGM, suffered severe psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, and addiction, due to exposure to harmful content on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. The case was brought to light in 2023, raising significant concerns over the impact of social media on young users.
The trial commenced on Tuesday at the Los Angeles Superior Court, with Snapchat and TikTok already settling for undisclosed amounts. The family asserts that KGM unknowingly came into contact with dangerous individuals and content that had serious repercussions, including instances of sexual coercion.
Both Snapchat and TikTok deny any wrongdoing regarding the accusations. KGM’s family is represented by the Social Media Victims Law Center, which filed the complaint on behalf of KGM and other plaintiffs, including her sister. KGM’s mother, Karen Glenn, is also involved and claims that her older daughter has faced equally severe issues related to eating disorders.
KGM, now 20, first obtained an iPhone at the age of nine, contrary to her mother’s wishes. Initially, Glenn attempted to block access to social media through third-party applications designed to monitor children’s online activity. However, those efforts felt futile, akin to trying to stop a giant with a pebble, according to the lawsuit.
The apps had features that seemingly undermined parental controls, allowing KGM to register for Snapchat when she turned 13. This led to a compulsive need to stay connected, driven by constant notifications that overwhelmed her phone.
In her deposition, KGM described a troubling experience during middle school, often hiding in the counseling room to make calls, indicating the stressful environment she faced. The lawsuit claims KGM was exposed to content that encouraged harmful behaviors, further exacerbated by connections made through recommendation features of the apps.
Specifically, TikTok has faced backlash over problematic content promoting unhealthy eating habits and self-harm, which KGM reportedly encountered frequently. Additionally, the plaintiff alleges that she endured bullying and sextortion on Instagram, leaving her uncertain if the offenders were acquaintances or random strangers.
The complaint highlights a disturbing rise in sextortion cases in the U.S., where individuals exploit teenagers into sharing explicit material under false pretenses. This has led to tragic outcomes, with numerous children reportedly taking their lives as a result of such exploitation linked to platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.
Upon notifying Instagram about the alleged sextortion, KGM’s family found little support, claiming it took extensive efforts before the platform took action against the perpetrators.
Glenn expressed concerns about the dramatic changes in her daughter’s behavior, suggesting that addiction to social media had altered her cognitive functions and ability to retain memories. Her sister noted that KGM would have severe meltdowns whenever her phone was taken away, indicating the depth of her reliance on social media.
The family’s struggles have not been limited to KGM alone; Glenn detailed her older daughter’s similar journey through addiction and health issues sparked by social media. Despite attempts by their mother to limit screen time, the daughters’ obsession with apps led to significant distress and setbacks in their lives.
As the trial progresses, jury selection is set to begin soon, with various executives from tech companies expected to testify, including Mark Zuckerberg. A spokesperson for Snapchat expressed satisfaction with the settlement, while Meta firmly disputes all allegations linked to their platforms, maintaining a commitment to the well-being of young users.
This case could potentially mark a historic shift, as it aims to hold social media companies accountable for the adverse effects their products may have on children. Should KGM prevail, it might compel significant changes in how these tech giants operate and the way their platforms are structured.
