Could Social Media Be Considered a Defective Product?

Social media has woven itself into the fabric of today’s society. It allows us to communicate with people worldwide, facilitating connection on an unprecedented scale that borders on the fantastical.

More than a decade after their widespread adoption, social media platforms have earned a complicated, sometimes dark reputation. From cyberbullying and real-world stalking to disassociating from reality, social media has the potential to cause substantial harm, especially to its younger users. These problems have become such an issue that some judges and lawmakers are calling into question whether social media itself can be considered a defective product.

California lawmakers have started a debate to determine whether social media companies should be held liable for damages their platforms have inflicted on their users’ mental health. Although the bill is currently inactive, the possibility of social media being declared defective remains feasible.

Can Social Media Contribute to Mental Illness?

Excessive social media usage, particularly among teens and young adults, can have detrimental ramifications on users’ well-being. The constant self-comparison to others' seemingly perfect lives can fuel feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem. This is especially true for young people who might not have the lived wisdom to recognize the snapshots they see of an influencer’s life aren’t reflective of reality. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between heavy social media consumption and aggravated feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness.

Additionally, and maybe most importantly from a liability standpoint, social media platforms are intentionally engineered to keep users engaged for longer periods, promoting addictive behavior to the detriment of its users. The infinite scrolls, notifications and personalized content feeds are designed to make it difficult for users to disconnect.

Ultimately, social media is a business, and these companies have an incentive to prioritize their profits over user welfare.

Negative Aspects of Social Media

While social media can allow individuals to maintain relationships with friends and family no matter the distance and promote a sense of belonging and community, the negative effects of the technology are impossible to ignore, including but not limited to:

• Cyberbullying: Online harassment and cyberbullying are only made possible through social media platforms, causing significant emotional distress and potentially leading to anxiety, depression or even suicidal ideation.

• Fear of missing out (FOMO): Social media can amplify one’s fear of missing out on social activities or events, resulting in increased stress and anxiety.

• Sleep disruption: Using social media before bed can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep deprivation, which can disrupt users’ ability to function and can elevate depression.

• Tribalism: While community can be a good thing, social media also makes it easy for people with dark or destructive interests to connect with other like-minded people. This can fuel hate, conspiratorial thinking or the reinforcement of self-destructive or outwardly violent behavior.

What Would Happen to Social Media if It Was Legally Declared a Defective Product?

If social media were to be legally declared a defective product, first and foremost, companies would be at risk of facing extensive litigation in the form of a class-action lawsuit from individuals who believe they suffered harm from using their platforms – from mental health problems to addiction.

Being declared a defective product might also prompt intervention at a state or federal level. Authorities might impose stricter guidelines and oversight on social media companies, forcing these platforms to conform to harsher government-dictated moderation and algorithm rules.

Social media companies might be required to issue warnings about potential risks associated with their platforms, clearly informing users of the hazards involved with prolonged usage. These regulations may even include mechanisms that limit addictive features, discourage harmful content from being posted and provide resources for users facing mental health challenges.

At the end of the day, this argument remains speculation. Whether an algorithm can even be declared a product in the traditional sense is still up for discussion. However, regardless of if social media platforms are defective or not, if you or a loved one are harmed by a defective product in Ohio, you should seek proper compensation.

Hire An Experienced Defective Product Lawyer Who Has Helped Develop Similar Cases

The Buckeye Law Group has fought for the rights of many Ohio clients negatively affected by defective products. We are ready to advocate for your right to fair compensation and are not afraid to go to court if necessary. Call 1-800-411-PAIN or visit us online to learn more and receive a free case consultation with one of our defective product lawyers today.