Oklahoma Attorney General Sues Meta: Joining the Call for Justice Amid Youth Mental Health Crisis
The tide against Meta Platforms, Inc. — the parent company of social media giants like Facebook and Instagram — is turning at a swift pace. And it's not just from disgruntled users or watchdog organizations. It's coming from the highest legal authorities in various states. On October 24th, 2023, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond threw his hat into the ring, announcing a lawsuit against Meta for its deceptive practices that have had a damaging effect on children and teens.
Oklahoma joins the chorus of states seeking to hold Meta accountable for its actions. In total, 33 states have filed a federal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. But Oklahoma is among eight states choosing to file lawsuits in their state courts, along with the District of Columbia. Why? The Attorney General puts it succinctly: Meta is culpable for the "youth mental health crisis" we're facing today.
The Heart of the Matter
It isn't just a baseless claim; it's a cry for justice backed by substantial allegations. The lawsuit asserts that Meta knowingly designed its platforms with features that are not only addictive but also harmful to young people. It is claimed that the company was fully aware of the negative impact of features like infinite scroll, push notifications, and autoplay videos on the well-being of children and adolescents. Despite this knowledge, Meta did nothing to curb these features or even inform the public about potential risks.
Meta's engagement-maximizing algorithms serve to lead young users down dangerous "rabbit holes," fostering environments that amplify body dissatisfaction, negative social comparisons, and sleep deprivation. This, my friends, is no small matter. It's a targeted manipulation with lifelong consequences.
Oklahoma Speaks
According to data disclosed by Meta, about 80 percent of Oklahoma teenagers are monthly users of Instagram. More than 1 million Oklahomans were daily Instagram users in 2020, with teenagers accounting for over 20 percent of that figure. That's not just a statistic; that's a significant portion of our future — our children, siblings, students — being exploited for profit.
Meta’s activities violate the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, according to the lawsuit. It seeks both injunctive and monetary relief to mitigate the harm caused by these platforms.
Time for Change
If there ever was a time for us to pause and question the ethical boundaries of tech companies, it is now. With governments stepping in, the era of unchecked social media power may be winding down. Attorney General Drummond’s actions are more than a legal maneuver; they're a clarion call for justice, morality, and the safeguarding of our youth's mental and emotional health.
As we await the developments of this legal battle, let's also take it as a cue to engage in conversations with the young people around us. They are more than just monthly users or engagement statistics; they are individuals deserving of safe and nurturing virtual environments.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or a concerned citizen, now is the time to act, to talk, and to shield our young people from practices that exploit their vulnerabilities for monetary gain. Let's move from passive scrolling to active engagement in shaping a more responsible digital landscape. After all, the future of our youth is a collective responsibility, one that transcends state lines and political affiliations.