Meta Platforms is now locked in a legal showdown in Massachusetts after a judge refused to dismiss claims that Instagram intentionally exploits young users. The state alleges the company designed features like endless scrolling and push notifications to hook teens, all while hiding the harm it posed to their mental health.
A Massachusetts Superior Court judge determined the lawsuit, brought by the state’s Attorney General Andrea Campbell, could proceed, rejecting Meta’s defense under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This federal law, often used by tech giants to fend off liability, was deemed inapplicable here because the case focuses on Meta’s business practices rather than third-party content.
The complaint claims that Instagram capitalized on psychological vulnerabilities, making teens crave likes and constant validation, even as internal research warned of the platform’s detrimental effects. The judge’s decision echoed accusations that CEO Mark Zuckerberg had brushed aside these concerns, prioritizing profits over well-being.
Meta, in response, expressed disappointment with the ruling but remained firm that evidence would show its dedication to supporting young users. This development follows a similar rejection of Meta’s dismissal request in a California case involving more than 30 states, escalating pressure on the company. Massachusetts, choosing a separate path by filing in state court, has emerged as a pivotal battleground in the broader fight against social media’s influence on youth mental health.
With the lawsuit moving forward, the stage is set for a closer examination of how deeply Instagram’s design choices might be tied to growing concerns about teen mental health—and whether meaningful reforms will follow.
