TikTok is designed to be addictive to children and harm them – The Published Reporter

More than a dozen states and the District of Columbia filed lawsuits against TikTok on Tuesday, claiming the popular short-form video app was deliberately designed to be addictive to children and harmful to their mental health. This significant legal step follows a national investigation into TikTok, which was initiated in March 2022 by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from states including New York, California, Kentucky and New Jersey.

A coordinated legal response to the impact of TikTok

The lawsuits, filed in several state courts, center on the platform’s algorithm, which curates content for users based on their interests, encouraging long-term engagement. The complaints highlight design features that allegedly trap children in a cycle of endless scrolling and engagement. For example, push notifications that create “buzz” and filters that promote unattainable beauty standards have been cited as contributing factors to addiction. California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the seriousness of the situation at a press conference, saying: “They have chosen profit over the health and safety, well-being and future of our children. And that is not something we can accept. That’s why we filed a lawsuit.”

The broader context of responsibility on social media

These recent lawsuits come nearly a year after multiple states took legal action against Meta Platforms Inc., Instagram’s parent company, for similar harmful practices. Such legal challenges against social media companies reflect growing concerns about their impact on young people’s mental health. The coordinated efforts resemble previous state actions against industries such as tobacco and pharmaceuticals, which have come under scrutiny for their role in public health crises.

TikTok now faces a double challenge. Not only are the lawsuits piling up, but the app’s survival in the US could be threatened by a federal law mandating the sale of its China-based parent company, ByteDance, by mid-January. TikTok and ByteDance are currently appealing this law to an appeals court in Washington, where a ruling is expected soon. In its recent filings, the District of Columbia described TikTok’s algorithm as “dopamine-inducing” and claimed it was intentionally addictive. The complaint suggests that the company is aware that its features can lead to serious psychological problems, including anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia.

Tackling exploitation and financial practices

The lawsuits also allege that TikTok operates an “unlicensed virtual economy” by allowing users to purchase TikTok Coins, a virtual currency that can be converted into real money by streamers. The complaint alleges that TikTok profits from these financial transactions without proper registration as a money transmitter, raising concerns about exploitation, especially of minors.

According to officials, TikTok’s livestream feature has led to cases of sexual exploitation, essentially turning the app into a “virtual strip club” without adequate age restrictions. The fourteen attorneys general behind the lawsuits want to put a stop to these practices, impose financial penalties and seek damages for users affected by the platform’s alleged negligence.

Social media use among teens in the US is nearly universal, with many reporting constant engagement. Research from the Pew Research Center shows that a significant portion of teens experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness, which is associated with frequent social media use. As legal challenges against TikTok and other social media companies continue, the conversation about the safety and well-being of young users remains critical.