Two tribes have filed lawsuits against major social media platforms, alleging that these platforms contribute to high suicide rates among Native teenagers by fostering addiction.

Lawsuits Filed

The Spirit Lake Tribe in North Dakota and the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin filed lawsuits in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Defendants include Meta, Google, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and their parent companies.

Vulnerability of Native Youth

Native youth face significantly higher suicide rates compared to other racial or ethnic groups, as reported by the Center for Native American Youth. The addictive nature of social media platforms exacerbates mental health crises among these vulnerable groups.

Allegations in Lawsuits

The lawsuits claim that social media companies intentionally designed their platforms to exploit psychological vulnerabilities in children. They argue that these companies prey on already vulnerable groups and contribute to addictive behavior among youth.

Seeking Equitable Relief

The lawsuits seek equitable relief to fund prevention education and treatment for excessive social media use. The goal is to hold social media corporations accountable for dangerous features that contribute to compulsive social media use among Native youth.

Statements from Tribal Leaders

Leaders from the tribes emphasized the need for social media corporations to take responsibility for their platforms’ impact on youth mental health. They demand safer and healthier experiences for teenagers on reservations.

Responses from Social Media Companies

Google denied the allegations, stating their commitment to providing age-appropriate experiences and robust parental controls. Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Legal Precedence and Ongoing Actions

These lawsuits mark the first legal actions on social media addiction brought by federally recognized tribes. Similar concerns over social media addiction have led to lawsuits by state attorneys general and cities like New York City against major social media platforms.

Social Media Companies’ Defense

Snap Inc. highlighted Snapchat’s features promoting active engagement and well-being among users. TikTok emphasized its safeguards and parental controls. Meta reiterated its dedication to safe online experiences for teens and parents.