Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media

Social Media Accountability & Legal Challenges - Social media companies are being held accountable for harms caused to children, with law firms specifically founded for this purpose [2][3] - Legal actions are focusing on the design of social media platforms and their algorithms, rather than just the content they host [5] - Section 230 has historically shielded social media companies, but efforts are underway to challenge this protection [3] - Plaintiffs face powerful and wealthy social media companies in court, likened to fighting a "Leviathan" [4] Platform Design & Harmful Effects - Social media platforms are seen as facilitating illegal activities, such as drug dealing, by easily connecting individuals [2][3] - Platforms are designed to be addictive to adolescent brains, with companies aware of the potential for addiction, sexual abuse, and suicide [3][6] - Algorithms prioritize engagement by showing users content they "can't look away from," potentially harmful content [7] - The pursuit of profit by social media companies is seen as contributing to the harm of children [1][6] Parental Grief & Advocacy - Parents are experiencing the tragedy of losing children due to issues linked to social media, such as fentanyl poisoning and suicide [3][5] - Parents are actively advocating for change and seeking justice, despite the emotional toll of "retraumatizing themselves" [7]